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Editor’s note: The views expressed are those of the writer and not representative of The Cleveland Observer.
By Imani Capri
Democracy at a Crossroads
As the U.S. gears up for the General Election in November, Vice President Kamala Harris has received the Democratic presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, on August 22. This historic event unite more than 4,000 delegates to recognize Harris and approve the party’s platform. The convention featured prominent speakers, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, emphasizing the significance of this moment in American history.
Harris’ nomination underscores a powerful theme that runs through American history and politics: Black women have consistently been the backbone of progress in this country. From enduring slavery, working in the fields, and nursing children, to leading during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement, Black women have been pillars of strength. They have held families together and loyally supported the Democratic Party, influencing Joe Biden’s decision to choose Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate.
Harris’ rise to political power is a continuation of Black women’s fight for change on behalf of all Americans. She follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for U.S. president; Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South since 1898; and Karen Bass, the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Los Angeles.
As the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, Harris is the first African-American and Asian-American vice president and has served as a U.S. senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco district attorney. Despite her extensive qualifications, one key question looms over the election:
Is America ready to elect its first Black female president?
The Readiness of America
Ohio State Senator Kent Smith is confident that the country is prepared. “Yes, I think America is ready. The Obama presidency helped pave the way for VP Harris. Obama was well-spoken, smart, and scandal-free, so there was no buyer’s remorse for the average voter. VP Harris is better qualified now than Barack was in 2008, so I think she will win and serve well,” Smith said. He also noted that while racism still exists, more than half of the electorate has grown up with the Civil Rights Movement as part of their history, making the idea of a woman or Black president less of a stretch.
Fairview Park entrepreneur Lisette Lopez Bryson echoes this sentiment, arguing that the collective trauma of recent years has made the country more ready for change. “Politics has always been viewed as a man’s job, and while hurdles are still higher for Black women than white women, we are ready! This is not 2016. We’ve evolved and grown as a society. We’re ready to focus on real issues like education, affordable healthcare, and housing for all, while protecting the environment and women’s rights.”
President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and nominate Harris as the Democratic candidate has invigorated the Democratic Party. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of #WinWithBlackWomen, mobilized a coalition of Black women leaders who raised over $1 million for Harris within hours of Biden’s announcement. Other groups, such as #WinWithBlackMen, White Women for Harris, and Latinas for Harris, followed suit. The coalition supporting Harris is diverse and growing, with her campaign raising $200 million within a week and $310 million in June alone. Polls from The New York Times/Siena College show Harris with a slight national lead.
Overcoming Racism and Sexism
Despite these positive indicators, racism and sexism remain potent forces in American politics. Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, have employed dog whistles to undermine Harris. Trump questioned Harris’ “Blackness” during an interview, likening his comments to the birther movement that challenged Barack Obama’s citizenship. Trump’s mispronunciation of Harris’ name and Vance’s sexist comparisons only reinforce the obstacles Harris faces.
Vance recently compared Harris to Jeffrey Epstein in a Fox News interview, an ironic attack given Trump’s association with Epstein’s former jet. Such tactics reveal the depths to which opponents will sink rather than offering substantive policy discussions.
The Bigger Picture
This election is about more than just the candidates. It’s a referendum on the soul of America. Will the nation succumb to the old energy of racism, misogyny, and the erosion of rights, or will it embrace a future grounded in democracy, inclusivity, and fairness?
Cynthia Gale, an artist and former dean from Chagrin Falls, believes the country is ready for change. “The overwhelming response to Kamala Harris’ nomination shows that America is more than ready for a Black female president. I believe this young democracy has reached a point where inclusivity, compassion, fairness, and kindness can prevail.”
As we approach the election, the choice is clear: Will we continue to be held back by prejudice, or will we finally realize the promise of democracy for all?
Imani Capri is the Managing Editor for The Cleveland Observer and a motivational speaker, international best-selling author, and award-winning podcast host.