A High-Profile Primary Tests Black Buffalo’s Political Power Structure
BUFFALO — They are two of the most prominent Black women in Buffalo politics: India Walton, a celebrated progressive insurgent, jarred by a painful election loss; and Zeneta Everhart, a rising newcomer, galvanized by a singular terrifying event.
They are both Democrats in a deep-blue city, each with fervent supporters in the tight-knit Black community that makes up Buffalo’s East Side. They say they are friends; they wish the best for each other.
But for now, they are opponents.
Ms. Walton and Ms. Everhart are competing in Tuesday’s Democratic primary to represent the Masten district on the city’s Common Council — a battle between two candidates who have earned national attention under very different circumstances.
A stronghold of Black political power, the Masten Park neighborhood was also the site of one of the city’s most traumatic events: the racist massacre last May of 10 people, all of whom were Black, by a white gunman at a Tops supermarket. The tragedy suddenly thrust Ms. Everhart into the headlines.
Source: The New York Times
