Why is race considered a political issue rather than just a social one?

Race is fundamentally a political issue because politics determines the distribution of power and resources in society, and racial identity has historically been—and continues to be—a primary filter for that distribution. Politics isn't just about elections; it's about who gets to vote, who receives business loans, whose neighborhoods get infrastructure investments, and whose communities face environmental hazards. Laws and policies have been the primary tools shaping racial realities, from historical practices like redlining and segregation to contemporary voting restrictions and sentencing disparities. These political decisions create systemic advantages and disadvantages that persist across generations. When we examine racial justice examples—whether repealed laws, passed legislation, or court decisions—we're essentially looking at political victories or defeats. The fight against racism has always been, at its core, a struggle over political power, making it impossible to separate race from politics.

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