America Disrupted, ADVISORY

The 2020 election was always going to be decided by a splintered country, riven by race, gender, education and geography. Then came the triple shock of a pandemic, recession and an uprising against systemic racism. The nation’s divides were sharpened, and any sense of normalcy erased.

AP’s America Disrupted is examining the American electorate during a period of extraordinary upheaval, exploring how the tumult has changed how we live and how we vote. The first in the occasional series of narrative, photo, data and video storytelling launched last month with a look at the stirrings of change in Saginaw, Michigan. Find all of AP's Election 2020 coverage on AP Newsroom's coverage hub.

The second installment, exploring the rising political power of Black women, will move Monday, Aug. 3.

AMERICA DISRUPTED-BLACK WOMEN RISING POWER: Black women have long been the heart of the Democratic party, but that allegiance didn’t translate to their own political rise. The Trump era has marked a sea change. Seized by a sense of urgency and backed by new grassroots networks, Black women across the country are mobilized and demanding an overdue return on their investment. Their new political muscle comes with the prospect of making history on a national ticket and could determine the outcome of the presidential race. By Claire Galofaro and Kat Stafford. 3,000 words, with an abridged version. AP photos, video and graphics.