Newsom: ‘Anti-woke’ is Anti-Black

California Governor Gavin Newsom is pulling no punches when it comes to the current political climate. In a recent interview on the “All The Smoke” podcast, he didn’t hold back, calling out what he sees as a dangerous rollback of progress, particularly concerning civil rights and historical understanding.

A Push Backwards, Not Forwards

Newsom described the current direction of American ideology as a step backward, likening it to a return to the 1960s. He specifically pointed to the conservative-majority Supreme Court and the potential threat to the Voting Rights Act, stating, “That may likely happen in a matter of months.” He expressed disbelief at the ongoing efforts to “rewrite history” and censor factual accounts.

His most pointed critique was reserved for the so-called “anti-woke” movement. “All this anti-woke stuff is anti-Black. Period. Full stop,” Newsom declared. He linked this sentiment directly to the debates surrounding Critical Race Theory (CRT), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling them as part of a “great purge” happening in real time.

Challenging the Status Quo

Newsom emphasized the need for a stronger, unified response, stating, “We’re not doing enough. We’re not calling this out, we’re not drawing a line here.” He stressed that the issue transcends partisan politics, boiling down to fundamental questions of right and wrong, light and darkness.

This isn’t the first time Newsom has publicly challenged conservative policies. He’s been a vocal critic of the Trump Administration and has used his platform to push back against actions he deems detrimental to civil rights and democratic principles. His recent move to propose a countermeasure for redrawing California’s congressional maps, in response to Texas’s efforts, highlights his proactive stance.

Navigating Political Maneuvers

While former President Barack Obama applauded Newsom’s approach to redistricting as responsible, he noted his preference against “political gerrymandering.” Former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also weighed in, expressing skepticism about the temporary nature of such redistricting plans, suggesting they often become permanent fixtures.

Newsom’s strong words underscore a growing concern among many about the direction of civil rights and historical education in the United States. His call to action urges a broader recognition of these issues as fundamental to the nation’s identity.