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Latest updates from the campaign:
Tony loses, but the ideals continue
Thank you, Brockton. I write with a mix of emotions—gratitude for the incredible support we've received in knocking on doors and while standing at the polls to closing. Thank you to my kids, especially Briana, and volunteers who have been both awesome and patient. I am very humbled. I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you who believed in the vision for Brockton we set forth and who dedicated time, energy, and passion to our campaign. Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, facing not only the reality of this election but also the challenges that lie ahead for Ward 4. Although the results may not be what we had hoped for, our journey does not end here. Unfortunately, we faced a formidable incumbent in the entrenched machine that has long held sway in our local politics. While we may not have secured victory this time, I hope our presence has sparked a conversation about the need for change and the importance of diverse voices at the table. Ward 4 is 69.6% families of color as registered voters. Precinct A, 1,352, B 1,396, C 1,201, and D 1,068. During some conversations, I misspoke and said 64.6%. In addition, just a quick analysis of yesterday's vote is a glimpse of ethnic voting patterns. It will be imperative for community leaders to rally behind unity candidates that are a tradition of multicultural communities such as Brockton, and not fear the political machinery.
As I reflect, I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s admonition, “Still I Rise.” Thank you once again for being part of this incredible journey. While this chapter may be closing, the story of Ward 4 is far from over. Let us remain committed to the ideals that brought us together and continue to demand, CITY HALL BELONGS TO YOU!
Mayoral finalist and former city councilor-at-large Tina Cardoso endorses Tony!
"Tony, has for 35-years been a strong and committed advocate for Brockton. Brockton needs him, we can depend on him. He is not afraid to challenge the system. I am proud to endorse someone we can all trust. Ward 4 please vote for Tony Branch. He cares." --Tina Cardoso
"Tony leadership is a pivotal moment that will shape the future trajectory of Ward 4. My endorsement not only highlights the Tony's proven community leadership experience but also underscores the importance of a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to governance of Brockton." --TIna Cardoso.
"It is such an honor to have Tina's support. The extradionary leadership she has shown in Brockton is what I intend to emulate in my work on the council should the honor be bestowed on me by the electorate." --Tony Branch
Call for Justice 34-Years Since Charles Stuart's False Allegations
Black, Male, & Innocent: We Have a Story to Tell
By: Tony Branch
In a tale of love turned sinister, a husband expecting a child with a wonderful wife took a dark turn, choosing murder over love and compassion. With a keen awareness of the nation's climate and an understanding of his privilege, he orchestrated a chilling plot to divert attention from his murderous hands. This fateful day in modern Boston history serves as a stark reminder of the city's deep-seated racial biases and stands as a warning to Black men everywhere. 
Black, Male, & Innocent: We Have a Story to Tell
In recent memory, on October 25, 1989, a day unfolded that etched itself into my consciousness, a day that highlighted a recurring theme echoing since the era of slavery. In a chilling modern-day twist, a white man accused a black man of murdering his wife, a narrative that resonated with a majority of Boston, mirroring sentiments across the nation. The consequences of this accusation were severe, but the truth, obscured by prejudice, only emerged two decades later. This incident serves as a stark reminder that, even in the 21st century, the specter of false accusations can cast a long shadow over the lives of black men, leaving them unjustly labeled as guilty in the eyes of society. The haunting legacy of slavery has left an indelible mark on the collective psyche of America, manifesting itself in various insidious forms, one of which is the tendency to presume guilt based on skin color. The incident in Boston reflects a broader issue that extends far beyond a single false accusation. It highlights the deeply entrenched biases that persist in our society, perpetuating an atmosphere where black individuals are unfairly targeted and presumed guilty, even when innocence is proven.
Thirty-four years after the wrongful accusation, scars remain. The accused individual, though exonerated, carries the burden of a tarnished reputation and lost years that can never be reclaimed. The impact extends beyond the individual to the community, perpetuating a narrative that reinforces stereotypes and widens the divide between racial groups. The question that remains is, how do we move forward from such injustices, and how can we collectively strive for a more equitable and just society? The journey towards justice and equality is a collective one. It requires a commitment from individuals, communities, and institutions to confront and eradicate systemic biases. By addressing the root causes of these issues, we can pave the way for a future where false accusations based on race are no longer a stain on our collective conscience. The incident of a black man wrongly accused may be a painful chapter in our recent history, but it serves as a rallying cry for change. By acknowledging the injustices of the past, we can forge a path toward a more just and inclusive future. It is time to dismantle the stereotypes, prejudices, and biases that have plagued our society for too long. In doing so, we not only rectify the wrongs of the past but pave the way for a future where the innocence of every individual is presumed until proven otherwise. We can do better, TOGETHER.
