Massive Zoom Meeting Shows Strong Support
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Black women across the nation are mobilizing to support her historic campaign. On Sunday night, an estimated 90,000 Black women and allies participated in a Zoom meeting organized by the #WinWithBlackWomen network to build support for Harris, a significant increase from the 90 participants who attended a similar meeting four years ago when she was nominated for vice president.
The meeting, which had the feel of a revival, saw women from various backgrounds pledging their support and discussing strategies to help Harris win the presidency. Black voters, particularly women, were crucial to Biden’s victories in the 2020 primaries and general election, with 93% of Black women voting for him, according to AP VoteCast.
Concerns About Electability
However, some Black female voters have expressed concerns about Harris’ ability to win as the nominee. Brianna Smith, a 24-year-old school counselor from Georgia, said, “I don’t see America actually accepting the fact that a Black woman is running for president.”
Despite these concerns, many Black women are already pivoting to help Harris, with organizations like Higher Heights and “She the People” ready to mobilize their networks. “We didn’t have to get ready, because we stay ready,” said Aimee Allison, founder of “She the People.”
Black Republican Women Weigh In
Meanwhile, Black Republican women are weighing in on the move, with some expressing admiration for the Democrats’ decision to elevate a Black woman, while others emphasize that their vote will be based on policy and merit rather than race and gender. Valerie Johnson, a Republican who previously worked for former North Carolina governor Pat McCrory, said, “If you have to lead with your race and your gender, that says a lot about where you stand on the issues.”
Concerns Over Primary Process
The Black Lives Matter movement has also called on Democrats to explain why they are bypassing the traditional primary process and installing Harris as the nominee without a public voting process.
As the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the role of Black women in shaping the political landscape is set to be more significant than ever. Many are showing their support by wearing t-shirts like this one: Elect Fund Believe Invest In Follow Defend Hire Promote Stand Up Vote For Black Women Shirt
