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Issues, Not Candidates, Drive Black Women’s Votes

THE AFRO — “The results of the 2020 South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday shows once again, that you can’t win the Democratic presidential nomination without winning the South, and you can’t win the South without the Black vote, and you can’t win the Black vote without winning the Black women’s vote,” said Melanie Campbell, national convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

Published

5 years ago

March 14, 2020

Oakland Post

BWR’s latest annual report found that race relations, especially the rise in hate crimes, is the most important issue for Black women voters. (Courtesy Photo)

By Donna Lewis Johnson and Micha Green
Special to the AFRO

On March 4, the day after Super Tuesday, the Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) released its seventh annual report on Black women and justice at a press conference featuring a panel of leading political scientists and civil rights activists.

“The Power of Black Women’s Leadership to Move a Justice Agenda Forward in the 2020 Decade” found that Black women are a bellwether force in Democratic elections.

“The results of the 2020 South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday shows once again, that you can’t win the Democratic presidential nomination without winning the South, and you can’t win the South without the Black vote, and you can’t win the Black vote without winning the Black women’s vote,” said Melanie Campbell, national convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable and president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

According to published news reports, Black women voters played a key role in former vice president Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 South Carolina Democratic primary election.

“I am so very proud of what we accomplished in South Carolina,” said Trudy Lucus, who manages religious affairs and external relations at National Action Network. “The Black women’s vote determined the South Carolina primary, and as you can see what we did and what we accomplished.”

BWR’s latest annual report found that race relations, especially the rise in hate crimes, is the most important issue for Black women voters. Other issues concerning the voting bloc include health, economic security and prosperity, education and policing.

“We looked at really what is driving the Black women’s vote… and ultimately what we found is that a sense of responsibility is especially important for Black women, and tends to drive our vote, more than loyalty to a specific candidate,” said Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, the report’s editor-in-chief.

Despite the decisive role African American women voters have played in Democratic elections, BWR said that the results for Black women are not commensurate.

“Black women have proven, time and time again, to be one of the most powerful and influential voting blocs in the nation. Yet and still, Black women face numerous challenges.”

“I think it is on Black women’s minds what we are we going to get for our vote this time, especially looking back on ’08,” said Dr. Elsie Scott, a panelist and founding director of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University.

The Black Women’s Roundtable is an arm of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, a civil rights and social justice organization based in Washington, D.C. The BWR champions just and fair public policy for Black women and girls.

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org