July Newsletter: Supporting Black Women in the Workplace Amidst Kamala Harris’s 2024 Campaign.
US Vice President Kamala Harris seen attending the 2024 Munich Security Conference on February 16, 2024 in Munich, Germany.
Johannes Simon | Getty Images
A WORD FROM IRIS
As posts and pieces about a Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign take over our timelines, my first thought is about all the ways Black women will feel intense backlash in their workplaces, and in movement workplaces in particular
Many people consider Kamala the best defense against Donald Trump,Project 2025 and outright white supremacy. Many people also have reservations about supporting a candidate who may continue the Democrats’ capitalist and imperialist policies. Either way, no one understands the incredible surge of misogyny and racism Kamala is about to experience more deeply than the Black women you work alongside. The difference is, your coworkers don’t have the socioeconomic privilege, federal protection and resources, or professional team of handlers to shield and support them. You need to lend that support.
White and other privileged folks, I invite you to reach out to Social Justice Synergy if your organization needs guidance on supporting the Black women and/or genderqueer people of color on your team during this time. Black and brown folks, if this issue resonates with you, feel free to share it as widely as you want – no need to ask or explain.
SUPPORTING BLACK WOMEN AT WORK: DO’S & DON’TS
DO organize yourself and your people to be actively anti-racist.Take time to address how your privilege(s) impacts your connections with Black women, and the ways you have absorbed anti-Blackness and sexism.
DON’T criticize black women behind their backs.I am often called in when folks are not willing to be forthcoming and direct with Black women they work with/for, and instead talk to everyone else. Now more than ever, go to the source (with a spirit of understanding and clarity).
DON’T engage in conversations about Harris’s race/heritage and genderwith Black folks unless invited.
DON’T cast Black women as otherworldly martyrs.Despite how often the question comes up, Black women are, and always have been, capable. But “capable” does not mean “savior.” This attitude is similarly problematic and dehumanizing, and usually happens so everyone else feels more comfortable with Black women exercising power.
DO give Black women their flowers.As everyday sexism and racism shows up via scrutinizing and disbelieving Black women, understand that now’s the time to show Black women that you love them. Call out and namepatriarchy and misogyny. Insist on celebrating and appreciating the Black women around you for their personal qualities and accomplishments.
CONSIDER:Think of a time you worked with/for a Black woman leader. How did you feel? What challenged you? What was rewarding? What internalized issues might you need to address around leadership, race, and gender? If you haven’t yet experienced a Black woman in charge, why do you think that is?
A MESSAGE FOR BLACK WOMEN…
So many of us are already anxious about Kamala’s campaign. The bottom line is that a Black first-generation American woman is running for president of the United States against a known white supremacist. Not only do we intimately know the implications of this season, we are also already exhausted. It is critical that we all understand our anxiety as a valid response. It is also critical that we understand this anxiety as a side-effect of major systemic forces that we did not create or deserve. Remember:
To value your intuition; trust the subtleties you’re picking up on.
That Kamala is entering a horrible situation, without the time or tools to adequately prepare. That’s relatable. Still, you don't need to hold her missteps (or successes) as your own.
That you are not Kamala. Even if you choose to aspire to similar accomplishments, you’re your own person. You don’t need to internalize supremacist ideals about respectability, representation, or charismatic-leader movements.