Politics and Current
Column: Kamala Harris – A Pioneering Run, Decades in the Making – Essence
UNITED STATES – AUGUST 19: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Monday, August 19, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
When Kamala Harris takes the podium tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, she is going to carry the legacy of generations of ladies of color who got here before her. Our party’s faith in her and her rise to fame indicate that a brand new political center of gravity is emerging in the Democratic Party—one where women of color are seen, heard, and truly lead a multiracial democracy.
I’ll be in my seat at the DNC knowing that the equation that led to Kamala Harris’ ascendancy as the party’s first woman of color nominee was forged by many years of trailblazing women. These godmothers of our movement challenged the nation to dream of politics like we’ve never seen before—fighting for inclusion, searching for to represent us at the highest levels, and now supporting a spread of policies that may change America for the higher.
In 1969, Shirley Chisholm She became the first black woman elected to Congress and, not so easily, the first woman and African-American to hunt a serious party’s nomination for president of the United States. Despite being excluded from televised debates and continually bogged down in a difficult and underfunded campaign, marginalized groups coalesced around the “Chisholm Trail.” Her revolutionary approach to politics, with a base and brand supported by women, led to Chisholm receiving 10 percent of all delegates.
We return to 1988, when Jesse Jackson’s second presidential campaign saw the emergence of a rainbow coalition that gave us a glimpse into multiracial politics and democracy on the national stage and set the stage for the election of Barack Obama.
And there are such a lot of other moral role models who’ve never allow us to forget that our goal is an inclusive, multiracial democracy tied to a vision of America where everyone lives with dignity. To that end, we lean on the shoulders of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, truth-teller Ida B. Wells, civil rights activist Ella Baker, philosopher Grace Lee Boggs, peace activist Yuri Kochiyama, political activist Zitkala-Sa, labor leader Luisa Moreno, and community leader Chief Wilma Mankiller, to call a couple of.
In other words, we didn’t just fall out of the coconut tree! Kamala Harris got here about because history happened. And now, through her policies and platforms, she continues what women of color began many years ago. Kamala Harris continues what Hattie Canty, who fought for racial justice in the hospitality industry and unions in order that staff might be paid a living wage, began through her commitment to raising the minimum wage. As vice chairman, Harris also focused on closing the gender pay gap and increasing women’s economic security—carrying on the work of Seattle NAACP Secretary Alice Sampson Presto, whose progressive feminist platform advocated for equal pay.
When women of color engage with the political and legal systems, they pave the way for future advocates. Make no mistake that Kamala Harris and plenty of other women have improved on the foundation laid by these women.
And now we’re seeing more enthusiasm around the Harris-Walz ticket than ever before — because more Americans than ever before can see themselves reflected in the candidates at the top of the ticket. For too long, the votes of men and women of color have been expected by Democrats, not earned or — at the least — represented. For the first time, the Democratic Party is realizing that taking on a mantle long carried by blocs of black and brown women voters — racial justice, economic equality, reproductive freedoms — can generate enthusiasm that’s beginning to feel unparalleled in its power.
While Harris’ campaign has raised $200 million and 170,000 activated volunteers and it’s leading national polls and in key battleground states, Republicans are losing the zero-sum game of belittling Harris. They are finding that Harris’ appeal is just too broad and too rooted in the values which have united generations of Americans.
In short, the desire for a candidate like Harris has been constructing for years. And with that momentum, she has the opportunity to satisfy the many years-long aspirations of multiracial coalitions that can assist win elections. She shouldn’t be only a champion for girls of color, but considered one of us—showing us the sweet truth of the promise that we could be each, and have multiple identities. That significance was not lost on people like me who grew up in a multiracial household in the Eighties.
Now, the largest and most diverse coalition in American history is seeking to her as the long-awaited dream of a unified, multiracial coalition. This group – which has been the backbone of our party and has been waiting in the wings – finally sees hope for our dream to come back true.
We can and can act for all Americans. And we finally feel we will see a way forward for who we’re as Americans defined by the identities that empower us. A vision recognized, seeded, experienced, and imagined for many years.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump’s support among black voters is falling significantly
The final NBC News poll shows a major drop in support for Donald Trump among black voters.
Questionnaire released Sunday revealed an especially tight 2024 presidential campaign race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump, with each tied at 49%. However, there are significant differences in support across different voter demographics.
The poll shows Harris has the most important lead over Trump among Black voters (87%-9%), young voters under 30 (57%-41%), and college-educated white voters (55%-43%). Trump’s 9% approval rating among black voters is down from the 12% he received within the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
Other key splits show Harris leading among women by 16 points (57%-41%) and Trump leading among men by 18 points (58%-40%). Harris also has a major 20-point lead over Trump relating to which candidate is seen as higher at handling the abortion issue, and has a bonus relating to which candidate is higher at caring for the center class.
Overall, the poll shows a disagreement between Harris and Trump, with each receiving 49% support from registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, while only 2% of voters remain undecided. Trump holds a slight lead over Harris among white voters and people and not using a college degree, leading by 2 points at 50-48%.
The popularity of Harris and Trump is almost equal: 43% of voters have a positive opinion of Harris and 50% have a negative opinion. For comparison, Trump has 42% positive rankings and 51% negative rankings. When it comes to manage of Congress, 47% of voters prefer Democrats to steer Congress, while 46% favor Republican control.
Because of the nationwide Electoral College system, the end result of the presidential election will ultimately rely on the ends in key battleground states akin to Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Like the ultimate NBC poll, the newest polls from swing states show tight races and uncertainty.
Regardless of the end result of the presidential election, 60% of registered voters consider the United States will remain divided, while only 28% consider it’s going to grow to be more united after the 2024 election.
Politics and Current
How Black Women Can Prioritize Wellness This Election Season – Essence
Sydney Shaffer/Getty Images
Election week finally arrived; a day that, not without reason, we greet with double optimism and fear. As we wait for the election results and subsequent reactions, it is vital to concentrate on the wellness and sweetness practices that keep us grounded.
Regardless of the election result, emotions shall be high and will spark social unrest, which could cause significant concern for marginalized groups. As evidenced by past elections and the January 6 revolt, American society often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. The potential consequence of a Black woman’s election to the presidency raises hope in lots of and outrage in others, prompting some populations to concentrate on caring for themselves and their communities during this time.
Wellness and sweetness routines often go hand in hand and will be effective regulating practices to appease nerves. The ritualistic nature of makeup or skincare routines, mindfulness meditations, and prioritizing nutrition and rest are all ways to nourish yourself during difficult times. The immediate aftermath of results, whether higher or worse, is more likely to trigger emotionally charged experiences.
She tapped ESSENCE Dr. Robin OnwongPh.D., a provisionally licensed psychologist, to grasp how these decisions may impact Black women and what we are able to do to develop healthy habits.
First, it explains the function of the stress hormone, cortisol, and its context. “When cortisol levels are high for an prolonged time period (e.g., from the beginning of voter registration to Election Day to the inauguration), stress begins to build up and creates allostatic load. In other words, it weakens our immune system and increases the chance of mental health problems, heart problems, fatigue, lack of attention, poor nutrition, etc.
“Overall,” she continues, “most black women in the states were already experiencing high allostatic load, and the election season only deepened the collective sense of heaviness.”
“My encouragement, from both a human and clinical standpoint, is to manage the stress before and after the election whenever possible, focus on the fundamentals and stay on top of the controllables. This looks like building on well-being practices that focus on our basic human needs.”
Dr. Onwong’s list of straightforward areas we are able to start relieving stress include: eating nutritious meals and staying adequately hydrated, getting enough quality rest, and exercising. Additionally, she notes that other vital practices include breath work “which draws you into the present moment,” gratitude exercises, clearing your physical space, and being “a more gracious steward of your time on social media.”
It also points to the effectiveness of community, which may give some people a way of hope and security. In addition to home wellness methods, there are numerous shared spaces where you may seek emotional refuge. Below you can see resources so you may safely connect with others and never feel the necessity to face this stressful day alone.
Sister Song’s Election Party
Sister Song is a reproductive justice collective led by women of color based in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 5, they’re organizing a private “election party” with themes of sharing space, healing, creating artistic endeavors and being in community.
Therapy for black girls on election day. Room for self-care
Therapy for black girls is a web based platform and resource base specializing in the mental health of Black women and girls. On November 5, they’re organizing a virtual Self-care room on election day featuring guided yoga, meditation, journaling sessions and open check-ins. You can find tickets and event information HERE.
Hello Healing Circles
Onwong’s doctor shares: “Association of Black Psychologists offers on November 4, 5, and 6, 2024. These are virtual, protected community spaces for people of African descent that draw on culturally rooted healing strategies to deal with Black trauma/stress and social violence. These are non-clinical (non-therapeutic), culturally supportive and affirming spaces intended to advertise well-being and overall social-emotional adjustment. To express interest, please send an email.
BEAM Holiday break on election day
BEAM, also generally known as the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is a platform dedicated to Black healing. Together with indicated resources to deal with election unrest, they’re organizing three meetings virtual “pause” sessions. throughout election day to have the chance to “pause, take a breath and sort out the situation together.”
Black women’s sisterhood with plans
Black Women’s Agenda is an area dedicated to the well-being of Black women. They offer weekly sisterhood circles emphasizing political education, wellness, and collective care. The next virtual circle will happen on Thursday, November 7.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump fights during a rally in Georgia while Herschel Walker is called a “real idiot” for telling attendees to vote for the wrong person
Former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering campaign speech in Georgia on Sunday that was supposed to be his final address to undecided voters in the state, but as a substitute became one in all his most rambling tirades since becoming the GOP nominee, prompting a wave of ridicule on social media.
During a speech in Macon, some in the audience appeared to fall asleep as Trump talked about brutal deaths at the hands of immigrants and vented his frustration over what he called 800,000 falsified “cob” reports when he meant “jobs,” while his voice often stuttered with a monotonous tone that failed to excite the crowd.
“Dementia Don is going through some stuff,” one X user commentedwhich reflects a wave of criticism about Trump’s mental capability to lead the country.
At one point, Trump mentioned that if he became president again, he would love to put former comebacker Herschel Walker in charge of the nation’s missile defense, though Walker has no prior experience with military strategy or defense systems.
“We will build an all-USA-made anti-missile shield wrapped around our country to defend us and our country,” Trump announced to his cheering supporters. Trump then added, “We’re going to put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker” — which drew little applause.
TRUMP: We will construct an anti-missile shield. We’ll put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker
CUT TO:
The man whom Donald Trump wants to entrust with command of the American missile defense system. https://t.co/yOVm0crpWU pic.twitter.com/KvTv4bHyzu
— Eric Champnella (@champnella) November 4, 2024
When Walker took the stage, he did himself no favors to prove he was ready for the task, sounding nervous at times and having difficulty pronouncing Trump’s name appropriately.
“Let’s not let Donald Trump down, because he won’t let us down. Because when you see what they are doing to this country. You say it’s a damn shame. And it’s time to stop it. And it will end on Tuesday when we get to the polls and vote for my friend and your friend, Donald Trump Jr.!” Walker stated before realizing his mistake and starting to stutter to correct himself.
However, he repeatedly mispronounced Trump’s name. “Donald Trump, er, Jonald J. Trump!”
Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is https://t.co/WYARGehpYO
— Foster (@fosterd07) November 4, 2024
Social media has rightly mocked Walker for becoming a caricature or Uncle Tom-like figure in the Trump campaign, and his appearance has only reinforced doubts about his readiness to tackle a major role in the next Trump administration.
“I’m insulted by you. “Herschel Walker embodies every negative stereotype that black Americans have fought against for decades: violence, crime, intellectual inferiority and sexual promiscuity” – one person he wrote further X. “Republicans admit it’s just a symbol so they can claim they’re not racist.”
Other in addition, “Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is.”
A podcast video featuring Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean, who mocked Herschel Walker’s 2022 GOP Senate campaign, has resurfaced on social media platforms after he suggested creating a “department that may look into young men women social media” in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
“Herschel Walker played football when helmets were soft” – one in all the panelists he joked at the time, drawing raucous laughter from the studio audience.
🗣 THE HELMET WAS SOFT!!!!!! https://t.co/CONTf1p45v pic.twitter.com/CPwbm555pQ
— DIAMOND LIFE (@Melanated_AF) May 26, 2022
Throughout the day at
“That guy in the gold hat looks like he’s fighting the urge to nod off,” Justin Baragona wrote on X, sharing three photos showing the man leaning back and sleepily observing Trump.
Other social media influencers looked for signs of boredom amongst the audience as Trump talked in circles.
“The young women behind Trump are struggling,” noted Aaron Rupar, an independent journalist who covers the Trump campaign from a liberal standpoint. He shared a video of a young woman stifling a yawn while one other woman sitting next to her appears engrossed in her phone.
Rupar noted that ladies seemed unfazed by Trump’s fear-mongering over acts of violence he attributed to immigrant gang members on Long Island, New York.
“Trump’s beautiful 16-year-olds cut with knives don’t seem like a big hit.” Rupper he wrote, while declaring Trump’s word salad, which included:Agriculture“for agriculture” and “flasks” regarding the jobs quote in which Trump tried to criticize the Biden administration for creating jobs but had difficulty making his views clear to supporters.
“The whistleblower posted information about 18 of the 800,000 cobs, and furthermore the whistleblower said you know it wasn’t 800,000 but 18,000, you add that up and then you add 100 and you think it’s 112,000 jobs,” Trump said.
Dementia Don is going through some things.
— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) November 4, 2024
“Just look at the crowd,” commented Fred Wellman, sharing a video showing a young woman waking up from a nap just as Trump made his gaffe.
In response to this error, a Michigan GOP Watch political pundit joked, “His brain is tapioca pudding.”
Rupar also identified that Trump began an anecdote about former first lady Michelle Obama but didn’t finish it.
“Trump starts with Michelle Obama but gets distracted and never finishes the thought,” Rupar wrote. “I have always treated his beautiful wife Michelle, I have always had great respect for her, but she has been hard on me lately…” Trump began. “What was that, Front Row Joes?” he asked before turning to the size of his crowd.
The speech reflected a pattern of Trump’s incoherence, characterised by a disturbing tendency to gibberish and contradict himself, which further fueled concerns about his understanding of key issues and the impact of his age as Trump turned 78 in June.
On Friday, in one other speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump told rallygoers that he had a “very fertile brain,” while defending himself against critics who proceed to accuse the former president of “cognitive impairment.”
“I have a very fertile, very fertile brain, but it’s a weave and we do it, that’s how you tell one story and discuss about 15 subplots, but you come to a final answer,” Trump said, according to Newsweek. “They said: he was wandering, I’m not wandering. I’m making a weave, do you already know what a weave is? It’s history.”
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