A Letter to the 92% of Black Women
Dear Black Women,
Thank you. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do, often without the recognition and honor you deserve. You have carried a political party on your backs through some of the most challenging presidential elections in American history. Your unwavering commitment and your resilience have kept this nation moving forward, even when it hasn’t reciprocated the love, loyalty, or respect you’ve poured into it.
I know you’re feeling the weight of this moment, the ache of seeing America once again miss the chance to fully recognize the brilliance of a Black woman, of Kamala Harris, in the White House. But I want you to know that I, along with countless Black men, see you. We see the strength in your struggle, the sacrifices you make, and the grace with which you carry the burdens of our community. If you need to take a moment to breathe, to step back, to rest, know that we are here to pick up that load. We are committed to standing beside you and honoring your efforts in every way that we can.
Throughout history, Black women have been the backbone of change, pushing forward despite a world that often tried to silence or minimize you. You have shown us what it means to lead with courage and integrity, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Kamala Harris’s journey was, and remains, a beacon of hope for Black women and girls who dare to dream, who dare to break through ceilings once thought unbreakable. She showed that the White House is not out of reach for us, that the highest offices in this land are places where our voices, our intelligence, and our perspectives are not just welcome but needed.
Time and time again, you have fought to expand democracy, pushed for equal rights, and challenged systems that were never meant to protect you. Your courage, rooted in the strength of our ancestors, has held this country accountable. But as we consider where we stand today, we must also acknowledge that Black women have been failed — not only by those who perpetuate the systems of oppression but also by those who share similar stories of struggle and those who have claimed to be allies. For too long, Black women have been the backbone of this country’s progress, but often, when the time comes to honor their leadership and provide them with the platforms they deserve, those who have benefited from their sacrifices turn away. It is no longer enough to ask Black women to carry us through; we must demand accountability from those who seek our support but fail to deliver it in return.
As we look forward and ask, “Where do we go from here?” we must hold those individuals accountable. We refuse to continue being the stepping stone for everyone else — used, lied to, and discarded when our labor is no longer convenient. Our community deserves better. Black women deserve better. Those who seek our votes, who ask for our support, who depend on our commitment to justice and progress must also stand by us, fight for us, and honor us when it matters most.
As you rest and recharge, lift your head high, for you are the queens who carry crowns that generations before you have fought to place on your heads. Do not let this country make you feel that your efforts were in vain, because without you, this nation would have faltered long ago.
We know that storms are inevitable, and we’re in one now. But as our ancestors taught us, after every storm comes the rainbow. And on the other side of this struggle, we will find the light. Together, we will hear the birds sing once more, and we will see the colors of hope and progress stretch across the sky, a reminder of the beauty and power that follows every challenge.
To every Black woman reading this, know that you are loved, appreciated, and celebrated. Know that your work is not unnoticed, and your sacrifices are not forgotten. We need you, and we will walk with you, shoulder to shoulder, as we continue on this journey together. The future is still bright, and it holds a promise — a promise that could not exist without you.
Thank you, Black Women, for being the heartbeat of our hope.
With deepest gratitude and respect,
The Honorable Auon’tai M. Anderson
