Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
This commentary originally appeared on Kansas Reflector.
As Vice President Kamala Harris continues her historic run for the presidency, I marvel at the groups across the nation rallying to support her candidacy. The watch parties create opportunities to build networks and plan for everything from T-shirts and tote bags to bumper stickers. The collective ownership of her journey is fueled by passionate defenses of her successes.
She has overcome many challenges to rightfully earn this place in history. For Black women, seeing Harris ascend to these heights has become a beacon of hope — a reminder that we are not only worthy of the highest offices but that we are powerful, capable and deserving of the support of our communities. Yet, while Harris experiences national recognition, her journey reflects a struggle that resonates with Black women in Kansas and across the country — the constant pursuit of visibility, credibility and validation, often before receiving the local support needed to thrive.
Like so many Black women, she has had to contend with stereotypes, skepticism and a critical gaze that questions her qualifications and commitment at every turn.
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Despite accomplishments and the historic significance of her vice presidency, it is only now, as she seeks the highest office in the land, that many are beginning to acknowledge her potential. This experience mirrors that of countless Black women in local communities. Too often, Black women are required to prove themselves two, three, even four times over before they are granted the support and recognition they deserve. Whether running for a local office, building businesses, or leading grassroots movements, the journey is often one of isolation, with support coming later, if at all.
In many cases, it is only after these women achieve a level of notoriety or success on a larger stage that local organizations, institutions and even their own communities begin to rally.
This phenomenon reflects a troubling reality – persistent underestimation of Black women. Despite essential roles in families, neighborhoods, churches and broader communities, there remains an inherent bias that often delays or diminishes the support received by Black women. For many, the path to success is not linear but filled with barriers rooted in race, gender and class. Black women are frequently asked to show more, do more and be more before our contributions are acknowledged. Again, if acknowledged at all.
The sisterhood that is beginning to surround Harris’ campaign speaks to the power of collective action, and it is this spirit that must be extended to Black women in local communities. Women’s groups, social organizations and political bodies must not wait until Black women are on the national stage to offer their support. We cannot afford to overlook the talents, leadership, and wisdom that exist in our midst.
Sisterhood is more than symbolic — it is an active commitment to uplifting each other in spaces where we are too often marginalized. It means recognizing the challenges Black women face, publicly and privately, and providing tangible resources, mentorship and networks that allow us to thrive. This goes for women running for city council along with the presidency. It must be as loud for the young girl dreaming of being the first in her family to earn a doctorate as it is for the seasoned professional breaking barriers in the corporate world.
Countless Black women are making waves in their own communities — often without the recognition or resources they deserve. Their leadership is transformative. They are the backbone of our neighborhoods, the visionaries behind grassroots movements and the trailblazers fighting for a better future for everyone.
We watch the vice president with pride. But the Black woman leading a community center in Manhattan, the young mother advocating for better schools in Kansas City and the business owner fighting for equity in Topeka are also worthy of that pride. We must not limit our attention to those in the national spotlight. Our sisterhood is strongest when it includes every Black woman striving to make a difference, regardless of her fame.
Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and X.
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