—Barrington Williams, B1Daily

When bipartisan cooperation happens in Washington, it’s rarely for the benefit of Black Americans. The recent extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, a move supported by both Democrats and Republicans, proves that when the political elite want to act, they can. Yet, for decades, Black American Freedman (descendants of enslaved people) have been denied even the most basic reparative justice, from land restitution to targeted economic programs.

The TPS Deal: Bipartisan When Convenient

TPS protections for Haitians, first granted after the 2010 earthquake, have now been extended multiple times. Lawmakers from both parties pushed for this humanitarian relief, citing instability in Haiti. There’s no dispute that many Haitians deserve protection, but where’s the urgency for Black Americans still suffering from the aftermath of slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic disenfranchisement?

Congress can fast-track bills for non-citizens while ignoring HR 40, the Commission to Study Reparations bill, which has languished for over 30 years. They can unite to protect Haitian migrants but refuse to pass legislation addressing stolen Black wealth, mass incarceration, or discriminatory policing.

The Unspoken Truth: Neither Party Works for Freedman

Democrats talk about racial justice but consistently prioritize undocumented immigrants over Black citizens when it comes to tangible policy. Republicans, meanwhile, oppose reparations outright while supporting TPS extensions when politically expedient. The message is clear: Black American descendants of slavery are not a priority.

Why Voting for Them Isn’t Mandatory

If both parties can collaborate to assist non-citizens while leaving Freedman demands unaddressed, then Freedman have no obligation to blindly support either. Political loyalty must be earned, not exploited. Until reparations, land restoration, and targeted reparative policies are on the table, Black voters should feel no guilt about withholding their votes or demanding more from those in power.

The TPS extension is a reminder: when America wants to help a group, it finds a way. The question is, why doesn’t it want to help us?

The system isn’t broken; it’s working exactly as designed. If Haitians (and other groups) can receive protections through bipartisan action, then the refusal to do the same for Freedman is intentional. Until that changes, Black Americans owe neither party their votes, only their accountability.

No more empty promises. No more excuses.

—Barrington Williams, B1Daily