Al Sharpton Calls for Boycott of Arizona for Racial Profiling Law

During a public debate with Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona, Rev. Al Sharpton called for an economic boycott of the state after a new law was passed that allows law enforcement to check anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant. I didn't know about the boycott at the time I spoke with Rev. Sharpton on the radio this afternoon, but I agree with his decision. While the citizens of Arizona have quite a few reasons to be frustrated by federal immigration policy, the act of legalizing racial profiling can be incredibly threatening to the freedoms of all Americans.

The reason that African Americans may want to support the boycott against the state of Arizona is that if black and brown people are being racially profiled in that state, this can open the door for additional profiling around the nation. Also true is the fact that many immigrants are black people coming from Haiti, Africa and other parts of the world. Dangerous laws like the one in Arizona would create an environment in which any person of color could be stopped and searched without just cause.

The economic impact of a boycott would be significant. The state has one of the largest deficits in the country, and it doesn't have many avenues to get out of that hole. In fact, Arizona has the largest deficit in the nation, as a percentage of it's total state budget, so it is in serious financial trouble. If the nation, entertainers and all fair-minded Americans were unified in a boycott against the state, the impact could be significant.

President Barack Obama has expressed his disappointment with the law, and many groups are already filing challenges in court. Additionally, there are protests in the streets of Arizona, as the Latino community will not allow the government's decision to go without a response. Fighting this law is good for America, since we cannot tolerate a blatant violation of our civil liberties. Sometimes the best way to fight for a cause is with the money in your pocket, and that's what Sharpton is doing.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book, "'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.