Dear America: A Black Woman's Perspective
On the morning after the presidential election results, I can't help but feel a dark cloud looming over me and many others—a dark cloud of hope that has turned into hurt.
I usually don't post think pieces here, but, like so many, I was hopeful, and as the numbers rolled in, nothing made sense. A vote for Donald Trump, the felon, the rapist, the racist—someone who was impeached twice and has six bankruptcies under his belt—was a vote against me, my mother, my grandmother, and every single woman I know and love.
This, for so many, isn't just a political setback; it's a painful reminder of the deep-rooted white supremacy that continues to define this nation. I am sad because I believe in equality, humanity, decency, and unity, and with him winning, none of those values emerged victorious. Based on this outcome, I can't help but feel lied to or that the presidential election was rigged.
To Vice President Kamala Harris, thank you for devoting your time and energy and giving your all to fight for the people. You ran an excellent campaign. As much as I hate to admit it, I empathize with you—being overqualified and still being doubted. For once, I was hopeful that the old sayings of "work twice as hard" to be considered successful or "twice as good to get half as much" would finally be put to rest, only for it to be highlighted even more now than ever before.
As a Black woman in America, I can't recall a time when I didn't have to work harder than the next person just to be seen and recognized. Statistically speaking, research shows that Black women often have to work significantly harder than their counterparts, particularly white men, due to systemic racism and sexism in the workplace. This leads to a significant wage gap, with Black women earning only around 60 cents for every dollar earned by white men, highlighting a substantial pay disparity. Black women are often concentrated in lower-paying occupations like service and caregiving roles, further contributing to the wage gap. Underrepresentation in leadership positions limits opportunities for advancement and career progression, and unconscious biases in hiring and promotion processes can disadvantage Black women.
VP Harris's loss reflects that hard work isn't always acknowledged, even when deserved. It also reminds us that even with hope, this is the same America today as it was yesterday.
Before wrapping up this letter, I want to congratulate Angela Alsobrooks, who was elected Maryland's first Black U.S. Senator, and Lisa Blunt Rochester, who was elected as Delaware's first Black and first woman U.S. Senator. Their victories are bright spots in what feels like a sea of despair.
If you are feeling all the feels today, here's a reminder: you are not foolish for being hopeful. Do what is necessary today and every day to be kind to yourself. Today, Black women, remove the capes and distress as much as possible; focus on getting your mental, spiritual, and emotional health in order because the next four years will be a long and winding road for us all. Today, it's okay to cry, scream, and shout. Tomorrow, we strategize, organize, and fight.
Well said sis.🤎