By D.M. Livingston

Published Oct 25, 2025

Waterbury, CT When does passion become aggression — and who gets to decide? That question is now front and center in Waterbury after Fifth Congressional candidate Johnathon DeBarros found himself under investigation by Capitol Police over a Facebook post that some interpreted as “charged” or threatening.

The incident has sparked an uncomfortable but necessary conversation — one that goes beyond politics and cuts deep into race, perception, and power.

For many Black men and women, being labeled “aggressive” for speaking with conviction is a familiar experience. It happens in classrooms, workplaces, and even on the campaign trail. The tone of our voice, the intensity of our words, or simply the firmness of our presence can be misread — not as passion or leadership, but as danger.

This is not just about DeBarros. It’s about a broader cultural reflex that equates Black assertiveness with threat. When a Black man raises his voice, it’s “anger.” When a Black woman stands her ground, it’s “attitude.” Yet, when others speak in the same manner, it’s called “confidence,” “strength,” or “tough leadership.”

The investigation into DeBarros’ comments may have been a matter of protocol, but it reveals something deeper — that even in political spaces, where debate and conviction are supposed to thrive, there remains a fear of Black passion.

In a city like Waterbury — diverse, proud, and yet still wrestling with issues of race and representation — this moment calls for reflection. Are we judging passion by its content, or by who it comes from?

This isn’t a defense of inflammatory speech. It’s a defense of context, humanity, and fairness. Black voices should not have to be toned down to be considered safe.

If we truly believe in civic engagement and equal representation, we must learn to separate passion from aggression, and stop policing emotion through the lens of bias.

Because at the end of the day, democracy itself is built on passion — the passion to challenge, to speak truth, and to demand better.

Maybe the real question isn’t whether Johnathon DeBarros went too far.
Maybe it’s whether we, as a community, have gone too long without listening.