As Black men, we often proclaim our support for Black women, but it’s time to put our words into action. Vice President Kamala Harris is the embodiment of Black excellence, and her candidacy for President is a moment we cannot afford to miss. As her successes in office demonstrate, she has consistently fought for our community, and it’s time we returned the favor.
If it’s one thing we know, it’s that Black women are ready to answer the call of duty in only a moment’s notice. We saw it from Harris when she immediately sprang into action on July 21, following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would no longer seek re-election and when he gave her his endorsement. We saw it hours later as 44,000 people temporarily broke Zoom by hopping onto a virtual call to support Harris’ “Win With Black Women” impromptu campaign. The call lasted into the early morning hours of Monday and the campaign raised more than $1.5 million over the course of about four hours.
But under her leadership, the Biden-Harris administration has made significant strides in addressing systemic racism, advancing criminal justice reform, and promoting economic empowerment. Her dedication to our community is unwavering, and her accomplishments are a testament to her commitment.
Vice President Harris has been a stalwart in demonstrating her adeptness and commitment. She has been instrumental in advocating for the American Rescue Plan, which provided critical relief to millions of Americans during the pandemic. Additionally, her leadership on issues such as voting rights and her focus on addressing root causes of migration in Central America showcases her comprehensive approach to governance and her dedication to creating a more just and equitable society.
Yet, despite her impressive record, Harris faces unprecedented scrutiny and doubt. It’s a familiar narrative – Black women carrying the weight of our collective progress, only to be met with skepticism and indifference. We’ve seen this story unfold time and again, from Sojourner Truth to Shirley Chisholm, and from Fannie Lou Hamer to Stacey Abrams. Black women have consistently saved us, lifted us, and pushed us forward, often without receiving the recognition or support they deserve.
Now is the time for us as Black men to reciprocate the love and support we’ve received from Black women. By rallying behind Kamala Harris, we’re not only supporting a qualified leader, but also acknowledging the countless times Black women have been our backbone. We’re honoring the sacrifices of Black women who have tirelessly worked to uplift us, often at their own expense.
The women in our lives are watching, and it’s essential they feel our support. When we stand with Kamala Harris, we’re sending a powerful message – that we value, respect, and believe in the power of Black women. We’re affirming their worth and acknowledging the pivotal role they play in our lives. We’re acknowledging her capabilities, and not settling for what some will try to qualify as “another DEI hire.” (It’s clear that anti-DEI has become the new anti-Black.)
It’s been encouraging to see powerful Black men across the state and country take a stand for Harris. The day after her nomination by President Biden, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II did not mince words about his unwavering support for her.
“I will be supporting [Vice President Harris] as our nominee and our next president. I cannot wait to welcome her back to the state of Michigan, where she has come time and time again to talk about how we can create generational economic opportunity and access to a dream of health and wealth for everyone in our state, to reduce the costs and expand the access to health care across Michigan, to make sure that our state and our nation is a leader in responding to the climate crisis. She has what we need to move this country forward,” he said.
Rev. Al Sharpton also rallied in support of the V.P.
“Not getting behind the woman Mr. Biden trusted over the past four years would put at risk these victories and the momentum to finish the job. Vice President Kamala Harris’s fingerprints are on every one of these legislative wins for Black America,” he said.
“Black America and all Democrats must stand behind her in this moment because of what is at stake for the future of this nation. Questions have already arisen from within the Democratic Party on whether Ms. Harris is the best person to beat Donald Trump come November. The answer is simple. She will bring new energy to Americans who have seen voting rights eroded, affirmative action gutted, and women’s rights ripped away. Ms. Harris can mobilize those who were most bruised by four years of Mr. Trump, just as Barack Obama did for those pressed into the margins over eight years of George W. Bush.”
That same night as Gilchrist’s endorsement, thousands of Black men across the nation joined another virtual call: #WinWithBlackMen. The sentiment was similar to the Win With Black Women meeting as Black men vowed to rally behind Harris to get her elected as the next President of the United States.
As Black men, it is time for us to match this energy fervently. The women in our lives—our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters—deserve to see us actively supporting a candidate who represents their aspirations and struggles. Kamala Harris’ presidency is not just about breaking another glass ceiling; it’s about ensuring that Black women feel seen, heard, and valued at the highest levels of power.
And our support for Kamala Harris is more than a political endorsement; it is a statement of unity and respect for Black women. It is a recognition of their relentless fight for justice and equality. Let’s not make excuses or try to discount her Blackness because her Black experience looks different from ours. Let’s not question her resume, because if you take the time to examine it, you’ll see that her qualifications far outpace those of so many others who have been in her seat and even many of the men who held the highest seat in the land. Let’s not choose election day as a time to withhold our votes and take a stand against the grievances we have against the nation.
As Black men, we need to rise to the occasion and rally behind Kamala Harris, not only for her potential to lead our nation, but to acknowledge the countless Black women who have always stood by us. Now is our time to stand by them.
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