As a Malawian woman, a Black woman living in the United States, the 2024 U.S. presidential election has been an emotional whirlwind. Watching Vice President Kamala Harris step into history has been both inspiring and deeply draining. Her leadership, poise, and resilience stand as a testament to the progress we have made, yet the vitriol she has endured underscores how much further we (still) need to go.
Black and Woman: Under a Microscope
In a world that often diminishes Black women, Kamala Harris has had to navigate a minefield of misogyny and misogynoir. The scrutiny she has faced has gone beyond her policies or political decisions. Every aspect of her identity—her gender, her Blackness, her South Asian heritage—has been dissected and weaponized. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about the persistent discomfort society feels when Black women occupy spaces of power.
On platforms like Instagram, the comments on her posts are often filled with admiration and respect, a space where people recognize the weight of her accomplishments. But on Twitter, the difference is stark—viciousness, disrespect, and outright hatred dominate. It’s a sobering reminder of how deeply ingrained bias is and how exhausting it is to be a Black woman in the public eye.
Running Against a System
Her journey has been remarkable, but her path has been far from fair. Running against someone like Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and divisive tactics often embolden the worst in people, made her task even harder. While her male counterparts are judged on their ideas or track records, Kamala Harris has had to be flawless—an impossible standard no one else is held to.
Witnessing as a Black Woman from Malawi
For me, this election has been personal. Coming from Malawi, a country where women in leadership are still fighting for recognition, I see Kamala Harris not just as a politician but as a symbol of what could be. Her presence challenges the narrative that Black women do not belong in leadership. Watching her rise has filled me with pride, but it has also been a painful mirror reflecting the world’s prejudice. It’s a stark reminder that Black people, and Black women especially, are often viewed as less capable, less deserving, and more expendable.
Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges, Kamala Harris’s journey leaves me hopeful. Her achievements are a testament to the resilience of Black women, and her presence in the White House has inspired millions, including me. While her departure from the vice presidency marks the end of one chapter, it also sets the stage for future leaders who will stand on her shoulders.
The way forward lies in continuing to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality. Representation matters, but it must go hand in hand with systemic change. We must amplify the voices of Black women, create spaces for them to lead, and hold the world accountable when it fails to respect them.
Madam (Vice) President
Kamala Harris’s legacy is far from over. As she steps back from this role, I see not an end, but a beginning. She has shown us that the impossible is possible and that change is within reach. The world may not always recognize the brilliance of Black women, but we do. And we will continue to push for a future where our contributions are valued, our voices are heard, and our leadership is unquestioned.
So, see you very soon, Madam President.
With admiration and hope,
Ntha
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