Leid Stories - 10/23/13

New Party Aims to End “Plantation Politics” in New York

Emulating the spirit of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party of the civil-rights ’60s, the recently formed Freedom Party in New York City has trumped considerable odds against it and in a short time has accomplished much: It has qualified for ballot status and is fielding two candidates (for mayor and for public advocate) in the Nov. 5 general election.

It is the beginning of a two-tiered plan with a long-term aim, says today’s guest, “Attorney-at-War” Alton H. Maddox Jr., the party’s founder and strategist. Ultimately, he says, it’s about developing effective political alternatives for disfranchised constituencies, mostly of people of color, and putting an end to “plantation” politics.

Maddox details the party’s “Plan A” and “Plan B” for the general election and beyond.