Former congressional candidate and community activist Belden Batiste has announced that he qualified to run for Louisiana District 97 Representative.
Batiste is an active member of the New Orleans community and a grassroots activist with the group Take ‘Em Down NOLA. Previously, he ran against congressional incumbent Cedric Richmond.
As a progressive candidate, Batiste has pledged to stand against the “cronyism, nepotism, classism, and sexism,” rampant in the political system today. These things, he says, “threaten citizens’ economic participation in our government.”
According to Batiste, his experience working with grassroots organizations such as Take ‘Em Down NOLA gives him a unique perspective on getting things done politically. He is a champion of earth-friendly growth and economic opportunity, believing that those communities who are economically oppressed are most likely to present sustainable economic solutions.
Batiste has pledged to continue his work against institutionalized racism, pointing out that progress like the removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans has made a dramatic difference in the community. According to Batiste, each removal is a step towards healing the racial division in the state, and in the country.
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.