What’s at Stake This Election Day: Black Women, Kamala Harris, and the Future We’re Fighting For

Election Day is here, and the choices on the ballot carry stakes that are more profound than usual. In many ways, this moment feels made for Kamala Harris—a Black woman, a South Asian woman, a woman of color, a first in so many ways—to step onto a stage that has long felt exclusive to those identities. Her presence on the ballot isn’t just a test of the political system; it’s a test of what our society is willing to honor, uplift, and celebrate.

For Black women, this election is deeply personal. Kamala’s candidacy embodies the often-quoted but too-real truth that Black women have to be “twice as good to get half as far.” We see it every day in boardrooms, in pitches, in meetings where our qualifications are questioned, our intentions scrutinized. And yet, here she is, standing in real contention against a candidate with a vastly different resume, different values, and different vision.

As we face the closing of this election, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just politics; it’s a live demonstration of what it takes to push through. This moment is not simply about choosing a leader; it’s about affirming our values, our ambitions, and our vision for a more inclusive America.

Lessons from Kamala’s Candidacy

Kamala’s journey is layered with lessons, and for women, it’s a reflection of the realities we face all too often. Her path to this moment has been far from linear, requiring grit, poise, and a willingness to face criticism head-on. Hers is an example that holds powerful messages about resilience, about pushing through doubters and standing tall in spaces that weren’t built for us. 

She brings to the race a resume stacked with degrees, credentials, and hard-won experiences. Yet even with all this, she contends with an opponent who has neither the same background nor the same qualifications, showing just how high the bar remains for women and people of color. 

This reality is one we know intimately. The pressure to be perfect, to over-deliver, to navigate double standards—these are the things we’re up against in every space we enter. 

Kamala’s journey echoes back to us that struggle, and at the same time, it reminds us of the reward for resilience. She stands as a powerful testament to all of us who are constantly expected to be extraordinary in a world that doesn’t always recognize our worth.

The Nuanced Support for Kamala Harris

Contrary to some pundits’ predictions that our support of Kamala is simply a matter of identity, a “blind loyalty” rooted in her race and gender—the truth is, Black and Brown women hold a nuanced, intelligent perspective when it comes to her candidacy. Yes, her identity resonates, and we feel pride in seeing her rise to this moment—it matters that she’s there for us, for our daughters, and for our communities. Her success would be a profound shift in representation, a validation that we belong in spaces of power.

Yet our support is far from simplistic. We bring an understanding that is both critical and complex, grounded in the challenges we’ve lived and the hopes we hold for the future. We know that Kamala’s candidacy is about more than breaking barriers; it’s about policies that affect our families, our businesses, and our lives. 

We support her not only because of what she represents but also because of the leadership she brings. It’s possible to hold pride in her identity and, at the same time, to demand substance and vision. Our support is not shallow. It’s reflective of the deep and careful analysis that Black women bring to everything they choose to stand behind.

Hopes and High Stakes

Kamala represents a choice that feels aligned with the aspirations of so many Black women—those who’ve worked, sacrificed, and advocated for change. Her success would mean more than a win in politics; it would be a victory for the communities that look to her as a beacon of possibility.

This moment belongs to all of us; it’s a reflection of our shared resilience and determination. Regardless of the outcome, we know this: Black and Brown women will continue to lead, continue to inspire, and continue to show up. We are here, ready to build a future that holds space for every ambition and honors every voice. This election has only reinforced what we already know—that the strength, wisdom, and resilience of women remain the bedrock of progress.

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