By Glenn Singleton—December 27, 2024
The 2024 presidential election will be remembered for its historical significance and what it revealed about the ongoing struggles with race and gender in America. Kamala Harris’s candidacy as the first Black and Asian American woman to lead a major party ticket was unifying. And yet, it became a lightning rod for explicit racial hostility and misogynoir that continue to pervade our society.
Despite these challenges, Black women consistently rose to the occasion. They formed the backbone of Harris’s support, championing her vision of equity, justice, and representation for all. Yet, their contributions were overshadowed and undervalued, leaving them feeling abandoned as the majority of White women supported Donald Trump—a painful but familiar reality.
Confronting the Racial and Gendered Realities of 2024
Race remains a defining fault line in American society. While progress is often claimed, this election magnified a stark reality: fear is prevalent, and White people are becoming the numerical minority in this country. Nevertheless, many will do everything possible to maintain their (political/power) majority status.
Racism and sexism intersected in ways that undermined Harris’s candidacy, reminding us that Black women—despite their leadership and resilience—often bear the weight of our democracy without receiving the recognition or support they deserve.
This issue extends beyond the election. As the Democratic National Committee searches for its next chair, the absence of Black women among the leading contenders reveals a systemic failure to value their leadership. This exclusion is particularly evident given Black women’s critical role in mobilizing voters and shaping the political landscape.
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