A Political Party of Division

Over the years, the Democratic Party has supported various groups and activist movements that have, at times, advocated policies favoring one demographic over another. Here’s a historical list starting from Reconstruction:

Reconstruction & Jim Crow Era (1865–1930s)

Ku Klux Klan (KKK) – Initially served as a paramilitary arm of the Democratic Party in the South, seeking to disenfranchise Black voters and uphold white supremacy.

White Citizens’ Councils – Organized in the 1950s, these groups were supported by Southern Democrats to resist desegregation and civil rights advancements

New Deal & Civil Rights Era (1930s–1960s)

Southern Dixiecrats – A breakaway faction of the Democratic Party in 1948 that opposed civil rights and racial integration.

Labor Unions (Certain Segments) – While many labor unions fought for workers’ rights, some, like the AFL in the early 20th century, had policies that excluded Black and immigrant workers.

Black Civil Rights Groups – The Democratic Party eventually aligned with civil rights organizations such as the NAACP, SNCC, and SCLC, which focused on advancing Black rights, often at the expense of appeasing segregationist factions within the party.

Late 20th Century (1970s–1990s)

Affirmative Action Supporters – Policies favoring certain racial and ethnic groups for employment, education, and government contracts, sometimes at the expense of other groups (e.g., Asian Americans in higher education admissions).

Identity-Based Advocacy Groups – Including organizations focused on minority, gender, and sexual orientation rights, sometimes advocating policies that critics argue disadvantage other groups.

21st Century (2000s–Present)

Black Lives Matter (BLM) – Advocates for police and criminal justice reform but has faced criticism for excluding broader law enforcement concerns.

Latino Advocacy Groups (e.g., La Raza, now UnidosUS) – Promote immigration policies and rights for Latino communities, often seen as prioritizing their interests over others.

LGBTQ+ Activist Groups – While advocating for equality, some Democratic-backed policies have led to legal conflicts with religious and conservative groups

Progressive “Equity” Advocates – Policies that emphasize racial and gender-based outcomes rather than equality of opportunity, often at odds with meritocratic principles.

This list is not exhaustive, and the Democratic Party’s support for these groups has evolved over time. Many of these movements have legitimate grievances, while others have been controversial for prioritizing specific groups over a broader national unity.