The 2024 election will be remembered for a long time, from the battle between the two presidential candidates to the emotions experienced after the results. The election meant a lot to a number of people. However, it held a lot of meaning for Black women in particular. After the 2024 election, Black women were left feeling both defeated and somewhat hopeful for the future.
For a long time, Black women have been the most important demographic to the Democratic party. In the past three elections, Black women have been the most consistent blue voters in overwhelming numbers. As far back as 2012, 96% of Black women voted for the Democratic candidate. Black women's voting consistency makes them the most important demographic of the Democratic party.
Although Black women are most likely to vote Democratic, they have had trouble ascending into higher ranks in the government. No Black woman has ever served as state governor. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for president gave hope to Black women everywhere that they could be in higher positions. The money Harris raised and the amount of volunteers she had, along with the momentum and support, was a game changer for not only Black women running for office, but also Black women everywhere.
Harris was arguably the most qualified person to run for president, having spent time in the Senate and as Attorney General in California. However, the country decided to elect someone who has four criminal cases currently pending against him and has been impeached, not once but twice. This sends a message to Black women everywhere that no matter how qualified they are, they seemingly cannot win over a white man.
Even with the disappointing results of the election, it cannot be ignored that Harris has made history. She is still the first woman, first Black person and first South Asian person to be elected Vice President. Although the presidential election hurt Black women everywhere, they still had victories within senate races and local elections.
For the first time in history, there will be two Black women senators serving at the same time. Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks won their races. In Missouri, Melesa Johnson became the Jackson county prosecutor, the first Black woman to hold that post. The Senate will have a total of five Black senators, the most in history.
Two years from now, there will be the midterm elections for Senate and House of Representatives. Also in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. America is one of the most diverse countries, and it has made some steps to show that in politics. It is shocking and appalling that a country as diverse as America would rather elect a felon for president over a qualified Black and South Asian woman. It sends an inadvertent message to young women of color that you can be the most educated in the room, but it is still not enough for the country to choose you.
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
