A Letter from the iWoman CEO
Dear Women of the Movement;
Today is a watershed moment for women in our nation, particularly for Black women. With President Joe Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris announcing her bid for the Democratic nomination for President, we have witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of support from Black women across the country. I was among the more than 40,000 Black women who mobilized on the eve of her historic announcement. We gathered at the call of the founder of #WinWithBlackWomen for an unplanned, unfiltered, and profoundly emotional Zoom meeting that lasted four straight hours. Prominent Black female politicians dropped in, sharing their encouragement and resolve. By the end of the meeting, we had raised over $1.5 million for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, showcasing the extraordinary power of united women. Together, we can move mountains. Together, we can elect presidents.
I have always been a staunch supporter of Joe Biden, crediting him with profoundly impacting my life. Today, I feel a deep kinship with Kamala Harris, imagining the pride and determination she must feel. The President who united us three and a half years ago has once again proven himself to be a man of impeccable integrity and unwavering commitment to equality. He has set aside ego, race, and gender, passing the torch to Kamala Harris, confident in her ability to lead our nation into the future. Thank you, Mr. President, for your selflessness and vision. You have laid the groundwork for a legacy that Kamala Harris will undoubtedly build upon, continuing the fight for justice and equality that so many have died for.
Reflecting on this historic moment, I am reminded of my early career when I worked for Biden as a senator from Delaware. As a young, single mother and recent college graduate, I was working my first TV job as a reporter in the mid-'90s. Then-Senator Biden, in his characteristic and heartfelt manner, changed the trajectory of my life by asking me to be his Delaware Press Assistant. I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of this opportunity at the time, but I embraced it with gratitude and determination. It was the first time someone of his stature truly saw me and offered me a chance to be in the room with some of the nation’s most distinguished leaders.
This experience came at a pivotal time in my life. Armed with a journalism degree, I had audacious goals of becoming an actress and news anchor in New York City. However, my past—having been abandoned as a baby at an orphanage because of my skin color—cast a shadow of doubt over my aspirations. The racism and sexism I encountered in the television industry only fueled these doubts. Yet, my time working in Biden's Senate office provided me with invaluable insight into the political system and the opportunity to learn from the best. Joe Biden’s eloquence, quick wit, and empathy for the marginalized left a lasting impression on me. He has been the ideal mentor and teacher for Kamala Harris, preparing her for this critical moment.
Self-doubt is the root of many failures, and as a Black woman, I know the doubts cast on Kamala Harris’s character and qualifications are steeped in racism and sexism. I urge Kamala to remain steadfast and resilient as she navigates this race. The journey will be challenging, and the true nature of some of our neighbors will be revealed. However, hatred cannot overshadow the significant achievements of the past three years under the Biden-Harris administration.
Now, more than ever, is the time for women to stand strong. This election transcends party lines—it is about fundamental rights and the belief that women deserve equality. Questioning Kamala Harris’s qualifications is a distraction from the real issue: which side of justice do you stand on? I stand unequivocally with women. Period. Let us unite, support Kamala Harris, and ensure that our voices are heard. Together, we will continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
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