In today’s podcast episode of Record in Progress, I, Louis Harris, had the privilege of sitting down with Juan Perales, a significant figure in the Washington State community known for his ardent activism and leadership in police accountability. In our discussion, Juan shared his invaluable insights on the 2024 election, the societal impacts of political decisions, and the work of advocacy. This blog post captures the essence of our conversation—one that explores identity, hopes, and fears in a country on the brink of significant change.
Our conversation began with Juan introducing himself and sharing his meaningful journey as an activist. He identifies as a passionate advocate focusing on police accountability and confronting white supremacy, particularly within law enforcement. His work with UNIDOS and the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability highlights the crucial need for change in policing practices and greater societal awareness of these pressing issues.
The conversation shifted to the recent 2024 presidential election, where Juan revealed his choice to vote Democrat, despite feeling somewhat disenfranchised by the Democratic Party’s distance from the working class. He emphasized his concern over high inflation and war involvement, attributing a decline in voter turnout to these unresolved issues. Notably, Juan pointed out that 45 percent of Latino voters and an increase in Black male voters turned towards Trump, a reflection of widespread disillusionment with current socio-political dynamics.
Juan provided profound insights into how police accountability affects not only Black communities but Latino ones as well, often overlooked due to the complexities of immigration status and societal stereotypes. His advocacy dates back to the early ’90s when racial profiling was rampant, leading to a significant ordinance in Seattle to curb collaboration between ICE and local police, except in criminal contexts.
As we delved deeper, Juan expressed concerns over the upcoming Trump presidency, fearing the ramifications of a potential trifecta government with unchecked power. His apprehension encompasses worries about potential nationalization of police akin to historical precedents and the continuation of mass deportations without proper legal scrutiny. Despite these fears, Juan holds onto hope—hope that public pressure can bring about an end to violence in Gaza and prevent further escalation in global conflicts.
In reflecting on those who voted for Trump, Juan observed a lack of informed perspective, often influenced by conservative media and a misunderstanding of historical relations between communities of color and systemic structures. He noted the irony that despite Trump’s derogatory comments on Mexicans, many Latinos voted for him, aligning with conservative social values.
Juan also illuminated the ongoing struggles faced by those who seek to create lasting systemic change. Through examples of police accountability legislation and enduring white supremacy in law enforcement, he underscored the constant battle against institutional inertia and the influence of wealth on legislative outcomes.
As our conversation concluded, Juan shared words of encouragement for the next generation, urging everyone to actively participate in shaping the future. He emphasized the need for local action to resonate on a national level, impacting positive change. The message is clear: while the challenges are many and often daunting, hope lies in informed activism and unified efforts. Our shared goal is a diverse, inclusive society that values the humanity of all its members. Through initiatives like this podcast, we aim to weave the fabric of understanding and progress, ever hopeful for a more equitable future.