During a panel discussion at the Ohio Black Expo on May 23, 2026, Sean Walton, the newly appointed president of the Columbus, Ohio branch of the NAACP, called for Black and Latino residents to form a coalition to enhance their political influence. Walton stated that while the population in Columbus is predominantly Democratic, Black residents often lack representation in decision-making processes. He emphasized the importance of solidarity among communities to achieve political power, saying, 'We’ll never have the numbers, but what we can have is that solidarity.'
The discussion, led by Phillip Scott, founder and CEO of the African Diaspora News Channel, faced pushback from the audience. Scott questioned Walton's call for solidarity, asking for clarification on whom the communities should unite with. Walton responded that the focus should be on Black and Brown individuals in the city. However, his remarks were met with vocal disagreement from attendees, with some shouting in opposition.
Scott expressed his disagreement with Walton's perspective, referencing past voting patterns and political dynamics between Black and Latino communities. He cited the 2024 election and a political controversy in Los Angeles involving local leaders and their impact on community representation. Scott concluded by highlighting the need for strategic alliances, acknowledging that not all individuals within the Latino community may align with Black interests.