It seemed like all of America voted in Alabama’s Senate election this week. Everyone had something to say about the decades-old Republican seat up for grabs. But in true cinematic fashion, Democrats pulled off a miracle and gained another seat in Washington. We may never identify the magic that led to Democrat Doug Jones beating ultra-conservative Roy Moore in an equally conservative state. One thing is for sure—Black people unexpectedly showed up and showed out in a way only we know how. If you are a Democrat in a contest against hate, we’re here for you. And Black women? When America is against the ropes, with one hand lifted in praise and the other prepared for battle, time after time Black women have carried this nation on our backs using our vote to restore America’s promise. And Tuesday night’s election was no different. Sadly, for Black women, America’s promise of equality, justice and freedom for all is, at best, false advertising and, at worst, soul-crushing betrayal. Since the birth of this nation, Black women have nursed and nurtured the soil and soul of this land. For this country, we have fought and died, marched and entertained, built and reconstructed, all without condition and with love and forgiveness.
Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
As I think about our heroics throughout the generations, I declare that I am Fannie Lou Hamer-level sick and tired of the promise prostituted to secure our vote and then ripped from our fingertips post-election. But not all of the blame falls on the shoulders of the politician or the party. No, voters too often believe their voice ends with the ballot. I’m here to tell you—hell to the naw! Casting your vote is only the beginning. We can’t afford to do what we’ve always done by giving away our vote and our trust. Because how far has that taken us? Let’s see: Black women are highly educated yet earn significantly less than men of any race and White and Asian women. No matter where we live in this country, large percentages of Black children cannot read. In rapidly gentrifying cities like Nashville, Black families are disproportionately squeezed outside of the core where affordable housing is at a premium and distant from vital services. Disparities are in health care, loan acceptance, employment, and the list goes on. With these irrefutable injustices looming over our lives we simply don’t have the luxury of walking out of the voting booth feeling satisfied. We cannot be satisfied until we are paid our worth. We cannot be satisfied until 100 percent of our children read at or above grade level. We cannot be satisfied until we make sure policymakers and shakers see us in every decision. You’ve voted, now make good on your vote. Honor your investment by following the news, question decisions that don’t pass the smell test and offer praise and gratitude at the appropriate times. Get your piece of the promise, sis. And always stay woke.
An original version of this post appeared on the Volume & Light blog as Keep Your Accolades, We’re Here For Our Piece of the Promise.
