The Adriane Perspective
The final report by Special Counsel Jack Smith serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding justice and equity. While the report exposes systemic failures and attempts to undermine the 2020 election, it also offers a powerful call to action: We must educate ourselves about our rights and the systems in which we live, even when those systems were not designed for our benefit. For Black communities, this report resonates deeply, echoing lessons from movements like the Black Panther Party and the urgent need to navigate and challenge systems of power to ensure our survival and prosperity.
Key Findings: Exposing an Uneven System
The report details former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, including:
1. Coercion of State Officials
Trump allegedly pressured state leaders to alter legitimate vote counts, targeting states he lost, with the intent to override the will of the people.
2. Fraudulent Elector Scheme
Trump’s team organized slates of fraudulent electors in seven states, deceiving participants into believing this was a legal contingency plan.
3. Manipulation of Federal Institutions
The report documents Trump’s attempts to misuse the Department of Justice to validate false claims of voter fraud.
4. Erosion of Trust
Despite being informed by his own advisors and state officials that his claims of fraud were false, Trump continued to amplify these lies, undermining public confidence in democracy.
5. Accountability Hindered by Power
While the report provides overwhelming evidence of misconduct, the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted federally. This decision shielded Trump after his re-election, highlighting structural flaws in ensuring justice for those in positions of power.
Learning from the Black Panther Model: Knowledge, Action, and Resistance
The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966, provides a model for navigating systems that were not built for our liberation. The Panthers understood that survival in an unjust system requires education, organization, and empowerment. Through initiatives like their Ten-Point Program and community survival programs, the Panthers demonstrated how to resist oppression while thriving within its confines.
The Panther model teaches us that:
1. Knowledge is Power
The Panthers emphasized educating Black communities about their rights, understanding systemic oppression, and exposing government failures. In the context of this report, we must study the electoral process, laws governing accountability, and our rights as voters. When we understand the system, we can better identify when it is being weaponized against us and fight back effectively.
2. Community Matters
Just as the Panthers relied on collective strength, we must lean on one another to hold systems accountable. Creating networks that share information, amplify injustices, and organize for change is essential to thriving in a system designed to marginalize us.
3. Resistance Must Be Strategic
The fraudulent elector scheme and misuse of power outlined in the report demonstrate the dangers of disinformation. To counteract this, we must strategically challenge lies, demand transparency, and push for reforms that protect the integrity of democratic processes.
4. Self-Sufficiency and Advocacy
The Panthers didn’t wait for the system to serve them—they built food programs, health clinics, and educational initiatives. Similarly, we must equip ourselves with the tools to advocate for our communities, whether by running for office, educating voters, or holding leaders accountable.
What Can Be Learned?
The Special Counsel’s report is a textbook example of why Black communities must stay vigilant. The electoral system—designed long before our inclusion—can still be weaponized against us. However, the report also highlights the power of understanding and using the system to fight back.
Key takeaways include:
• Learn Your Rights: Understand the Constitution, voting laws, and federal processes. This knowledge is your first line of defense against exploitation.
• Stay Informed: Disinformation is a powerful tool used to confuse and divide. Combat it by seeking reliable sources and fact-checking claims.
• Build Collective Power: Organize locally to ensure your community has access to resources, voting information, and representation.
• Demand Accountability: From school boards to the presidency, demand transparency and accountability from all levels of government.
Thriving in the System
Despite its flaws, this system can be navigated to create opportunities for change. The Panthers thrived by understanding the laws, exploiting the gaps to serve their people, and constantly challenging injustices. We can and must do the same.
This report is not just a summary of legal battles—it is a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, equity, and truth. The challenge is clear: If we do not educate ourselves, engage with the system, and build collective power, we risk leaving the door open for manipulation and oppression.
The Adriane Perspective urges readers to remember the Panthers’ lesson: Knowledge, unity, and strategy are the keys to thriving in a system that was not made for us. By studying this report, we honor that legacy and ensure that democracy works for all of us—not just a select few.