How Black Women Can Protect Their Peace This Election Cycle

By Jenn M. Jackson, Yes Magazine

In the months prior to Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination to the Democratic presidential ticket, I felt a lingering fear in my body about what it would mean for Black women and femmes if she ran for the highest office in the land.

Harris is pro-Israel and pro-punishment. Recently, at a campaign event in Detroit, she showed attendees how she feels about pro-Palestinian protestors when she shut them down by saying, “If you want Donald Trump to win, say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” A week later, Harris offered a more conciliatory tone when protestors interrupted her in Arizona, stating, “Now is time for a cease-fire in Gaza.” So, while I am heartened that Harris’ team seems to be listening to the cries of those demanding an end to this U.S.-backed genocide (maybe), her politics have never thrilled me. Despite that, a part of me found the possibility of a Black woman POTUS exciting. Another part of me grew uneasy as I considered how her elevation would be fuel for blowback against Black women all over the country. 

In this social moment, when self-care has become such a central focus for many Black, Brown, disabled, queer, and trans communities, many people have emphasized rest, manicures, massages, and other activities that are physically restorative. While these are habits we should all prioritize, they are insufficient in addressing the underlying effects of exhaustion, stress, emotional burnout, and mental distress that typically stem from the burden of white heteropatriarchal capitalism. We are actively fighting fascism. Many of us are doing so in our personal and professional lives simultaneously. We also have to contend with the fact that the Black woman the left has chosen has not proven that she will protect those most vulnerable among us. The political environment has only heightened the daily violences that many Black women and femmes are expected to endure just to survive. We can’t control any of the ephemera around us. But we can absolutely build safer spaces around us that protect us from the wear and tear of everyday life under this white heteropatriarchal capitalist nation state. 

Jackson teaches women how to do exactly that.

Some point out the reasons to criticize Harris other than her skin color or gender.

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