Black Women Delegates Celebrate Historic Nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris at DNC

Black women delegates at the Democratic National Convention are feeling the weight of history as they cast their ballots for Vice President Kamala Harris. With Harris being the second female presidential nominee and only the second Black candidate in less than 20 years, the significance of her nomination is not lost on these delegates.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a state delegate and history maker as Illinois’ first Black female lieutenant governor, expressed her emotional reaction to the opportunity to potentially send a Black woman to the Oval Office. Reflecting on the words of former U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Stratton emphasized the importance of Black women building their own tables in politics.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, an Illinois delegate, believes Chisholm would have been proud to see Harris achieve this political feat on behalf of women, particularly Black women. The comparison of the enthusiasm surrounding Harris’ candidacy to that of Barack Obama in 2008 is evident in the record fundraising and support she has received.

As Black women delegates look forward to potentially shattering the glass ceiling that has contained women in politics for centuries, they are hopeful that Harris will prioritize policies that impact Black women and their families, such as maternal health and reproductive rights. With the upcoming election, these delegates are working hard to mobilize voters and ensure that Harris has a chance to make history as the first woman president of the United States.