For most, the central question surrounding this year’s presidential election is which candidate—current Vice President Kamala Harris or 34-time convicted felon Donald Trump—will make the best Commander-in-Chief.
But there’s another question U.S. voters will be answering as they cast their votes nationwide; a question few are openly discussing—is America ready to elect a Black woman president?
The Defender asked this question of several Black women who have made a name for themselves via their service to society from positions of elected office or via community-based organizations. Here’s what they had to say:
Houston-area Black women change agents and community servants weigh in on the question ‘Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?’ Credit: AP Photo.
KIMBERLY BAKER, Delta Sigma Theta member
Yes. America is absolutely, positively ready to elect a Black woman as president! Who better than a Black woman to get us out of these global conflicts; apply common sense coupled with educated, calculated expertise in domestic and world affairs to make our world better. On top of all of this, it’s a Black woman – who will join hands with anybody and/or any group with practical, workable solutions – to save our democracy. Reasons to support her: 1) She is guided by her faith in Christ; 2) She comes from good genes – her mama taught her right from wrong early on; Daddy taught her to question unfairness to all of us and have a plan to do something about it; and her “village” taught her to stand up for the underdog and to not shrink from doing the hard stuff if it would make the situation better; 3) She’s well qualified…. lawyer for the people; DA; attorney general; senator; and VP. She’s had not just had a seat but a “decider” voice at the table; 4) She governs with joy and purpose. She loves people; people love her; and she will rep us as a People (Black Folk and ALL folks) and as Americans extraordinarily well; 5) Lastly, she’s SANE! Not like the opponent she’s running against.
MONIQUE JOSEPH, Restoring Justice, Holistic Services Director
Although America may elect Kamala Harris, the country is not yet ready to elect a Black woman as president. While it sounds appealing, and many claim they have no issue with a Black female president, my lived experience as a Black woman in leadership tells a different story. Every day, I am treated as not intelligent enough or valued only when I’m serving others. People may say they are ready for a Black woman to lead, but they have not acknowledged how deeply anti-Black trauma permeates our collective culture and shapes individual perceptions of Black women. As a society, we tend to be overly critical of Black people in general. When Black women lead unapologetically, I believe this triggers fear—fear that is rooted in the same anti-Black sentiments passed down through generations. Until America confronts its racist past, recognizes the continuation of these systems today, and provides reparations to Black communities harmed by state-sanctioned violence for generations, we will remain far from truly listening to and valuing Black women’s leadership.
America may be ready to elect a Black woman as president, but the real question is: what kind of Black woman is the country willing to follow? If we were talking about Angela Davis or Ida B. Wells running for president, my answer would be no—America is not ready for that. Right now, Kamala Harris makes people feel comfortable, and while that comfort isn’t exactly what the country needs, it’s a step in the right direction toward shifting the narrative.
MARY FONTENOT, President Pleasantville Historical Society
This question is so heavily loaded that answering it isn’t necessarily that simple. Yes, from a global perspective, the U.S. is behind other democracies in terms of women in executive positions. Still, this question hints at the deeply ingrained racism and sexism that exists in cultures and politics throughout the world. Women are often targets of hate and discrimination; especially Black women. Was America ready for the first Catholic president (John F. Kennedy), the first Black president (Barack Obama), and even the first woman president (Secretary Hillary Clinton), who actually won the popular vote by a comfortable margin? What we do know is that there will always be two versions of America: one that is ready for this moment and one that will never be ready. What America wants is diplomacy and someone who will work hard on helping to make democracy work better. They want someone who can bring people together instead of dividing them. They want political leadership that will give them a sense of pride; leadership that will work for the common good of America, knowing that it won’t be perfect. So, is America ready for a Black woman as president? I would say America is ready for great leadership, and in this election that’s Kamala Harris, a candidate who happens to be a highly intelligent, phenomenal Black woman.
ZAKIYA NEWMAN, Harris County Democratic Party organizer
I believe so. Yes. At the party, we have seen the momentum. We have Republicans coming into the party asking for “Republicans for Harris” signs. People are fed up with the past administration of Trump and they really want to see a change. We have enough Democrats that are on our side. It’s just a matter of bringing them from their homes all the way to the ballot box and submitting that ballot correctly. So, we just want to make sure that America is ready and we actually facilitate that process of being ready. We have to actually fight for what we want. It’s not just gonna be given.
PAMELA WALKER, Ft. Bend Community Advocate
Quite honestly, Black women are the mothers, nurturers and builders of generations. With the innate ability to push past obstacles and get things done, we capitalize on our unique perspectives and great ideas. We are bold, resilient and strong all while being intuitive, loving and compassionate to all. Leading homes, teams, companies and communities, I have no doubt we can run this country!
DR. MICHON BENSON, TSU Professor, Author
Certainly, Americans understand the significance of race and gender representation in national politics. Local, state and federal election results indicate Americans’ willingness to vote for Black women candidates. That said, what remains to be determined is whether Americans are poised to challenge legislators who refuse to enact education, housing and healthcare policies, for example, that benefit the broader Black and Brown communities.
DN: See exclusive video interview with Amanda Edwards answering this question and more.
