Black women are coming together in a PSA to Joe Biden: You need our help.
Black women have been a force to reckon with throughout history. Black women are the most educated group in the U.S., the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs is Black women and the most reliable community for Democrats have been Black women since the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. Black women have been at the forefront of protecting the Black community since literally forever, and now, Black women are coming together to tell Biden what he needs to gain the Black female vote.
Prominent Black women including #LaToshaBrown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, #AliciaGarza, #AngelaRye, #AmandaSeales, #SunnyHostin and more came together to share their take on how Biden can help in a new article in The Washington Post. In the PSA-style letter, the women say it’s time Black women be compensated for the ongoing efforts sistas have contributed to the country’s progress.
First and foremost, the ladies say the country needs a Black woman as vice president.“We do not agree with other influential black leaders who suggest that having a black woman on the ticket is not necessary. Black female elected leaders throughout the country have shown themselves to be formidable champions of justice, expert coalition builders, highly effective legislators, and compelling communicators,” the women write. “Having a ticket that reflects America’s changing demographics must now be the rule, not the exception. As the electorate becomes more diverse, Democrats need fewer white voters to win. Prioritizing white swing voters didn’t bode well for Hillary Clinton in 2016, nor was it central to Barack Obama’s victories in 2008 and 2012.”
While Biden has already said he plans to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court and has apologized to Anita Hill for performing negligently during her trial against Clarence Thomas, the Black women crew says that’s not enough. A Black woman should have the role of Supreme Court Justice as well, they explain.
“While we credit Biden for pledging to nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court, he must do more. His apology to Anita Hill came late and fell flat. Of the 114 justices who have served on our highest court, no black woman has ever been nominated, despite there being many talented and qualified candidates. The Supreme Court is poised in coming terms to make crucial decisions on such issues as mass incarceration and voting rights. The black community’s needs must be fully represented on the bench if a seat becomes available.”
Lastly, the Black female group of contributors says there needs to be an in-depth Black agenda. “The rules are rigged against our communities. From repairing shredded safety nets to ending widening wealth gaps. Whether we are talking about Ahmaud Arbery being killed by vigilantes or Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT being killed by police, we deserve solutions that address systemic domestic terrorism and deep-seated racial injustice,” the women write.
“At a minimum, Biden must apologize for and enact policy to repair the damage done by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 that established mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act that created the crack-cocaine sentencing disparity, and, of course, the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. He says that he knows better now, but he must do better.” The women went on to point out that the majority of Black people in America have dealt with white supremacy, racism, and experienced police brutality.
“The rules are rigged against our communities. From repairing shredded safety nets to ending widening wealth gaps. Whether we are talking about Ahmaud Arbery being killed by vigilantes or Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT being killed by police, we deserve solutions that address systemic domestic terrorism and deep seated racial injustice. At a minimum, Biden must apologize for and enact policy to repair the damage done by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 that established mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act that created the crack-cocaine sentencing disparity, and, of course, the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. He says that he knows better now, but he must do better,” reads the letter.
“A comprehensive framework for next steps is Black Agenda 2020, which grew out of the largest survey of black people conducted in America in 155 years. The document reports that ‘the vast majority of Black Americans see the excessive use of force by police officers and police officers killing Black people as problems in their community.’ Biden and his team must consult with a broader cross-section of black grass-roots leaders and add the necessary staff to redress these problems. The Biden campaign must address our oppression and, most importantly, embrace our power to win the White House. An administration that is good for Black America is good for all Americans. Joe Biden has stated that his mission is to ‘restore the soul of America.’ Black people are that soul. There is no restoration without us,” the letter continued.
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