Together We Rise: Joy comes in the morning when all women vote blue!
At the beginning of any great movement, there is a glimmer that comes just before dawn. It is hope, unity and the unwavering determination of people who have decided to join forces against all odds. As tomorrow’s 2024 U.S. presidential vote approaches, that glow is brighter than ever, guided by the unstoppable power of women, especially women of color, who have long supported progressive change in America. It has become. This year, a call to action for all women, black, brown, and white, to vote in line with ideals of justice, equality, and compassion resonates in every community, every region, and every heart. . Together, we will rise.
Black and brown women have always been pioneers of social and political progress in America. From the civil rights movement to recent fights for economic equity, climate justice, and reproductive rights, these communities have tirelessly advanced a vision of America that prioritizes the collective good. It’s not just about a single election or a single candidate. For Black and brown women, it means the long game: systemic change that will benefit generations to come. Voting is not just a civic duty. It is an act of love and a deep-seated belief that every vote brings us one step closer to justice. Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, who preaches from the same pulpit as Martin Luther King Jr., has said, “Voting is a kind of prayer for the world we want for ourselves and our children.” I often say that.
Historically, black women in particular have been the most loyal voting base for progressive candidates. They consistently have higher pass rates than any other demographic, despite facing the greatest barriers. In 2016 and 2020, they voted overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, rejecting policies that threaten to roll back civil rights gains, undermine access to health care, and undermine the social safety net.
Meanwhile, Latina, Native American, and Asian American women have also made notable contributions to the cause of democracy. For example, in 2020, 70% of Latino voters supported Democratic candidates despite facing language barriers, voter suppression tactics, and a lack of targeted support from campaigns. Their support was critical in handing key battleground states such as Arizona, Nevada and Georgia to President Biden, highlighting their important role in shaping the political landscape.
Despite the important role women of color play in advancing progressive causes, white women are often politically divided. In 2016, 53% of white women voted for Donald Trump. Although this number was slightly lower in 2020, it showed that white women overall remain a difficult demographic for Democrats. But the tide is changing. Conversations about feminism, intersectionality, and privilege have led many white women to reevaluate their political choices. The narrative of “suburban housewives” who vote conservative out of a sense of tradition and family influence is being replaced by a more nuanced, independent-minded electorate that sees itself as an ally in the broader struggle for social justice. be. I experienced this today when one of my white conservative Christian friends texted me and said, “I’m thinking of voting blue.” my first reaction. Aside from being excited about your choice, will your husband and family think I brainwashed you? Her answer was, how do you know? I truly believe that white women now have enough courage and bravery to rebel against their husbands and families and finally vote their conscience.
Perhaps I understand better than most how terrifying it is to go into a voting booth and vote against your husband, and in my case, against your entire maternal family. I also have a unique perspective. She once divorced a conservative white Catholic man and is now married to a Kiowa man who continues to be disenfranchised to this day. I was able to vote from the time I turned 18, and all women in my family were also able to vote from August 1920. People in Kiowa, where my husband lived, couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, even though the Indian Citizenship Act was passed in 1924..
The issues at stake in 2024 – reproductive rights, climate change, access to health care, education, and economic justice – affect all women, regardless of race. The Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade served as a wake-up call that sparked a wave of activism among white women, including many women who previously identified as moderates or conservatives. Ta. This, combined with increased awareness of racial and economic inequality, has led more white women to reject conservative platforms that fail to address these important issues.
The reality is that many white women are no longer willing to follow tradition and put the expectations of their families, spouses, and communities above their personal beliefs. In fact, more and more people are finding ways to organize groups, progressive movements, and mutual aid networks that support the Democratic Party’s vision of the future. They realize that the political landscape has changed dramatically and remaining on the sidelines is no longer an option. As tomorrow approaches, the collective consciousness of white women is awakening to a call for unity, justice, and, yes, change.
This year, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 2024 election is about more than just choosing a president. It is about defining the moral and ethical structure of our society. We stand at a crossroads, where one path leads to inclusivity, progress, and unity, while the other entrenches division, limitation, and regression. By voting blue, women are choosing a future that values ​​freedom, respects diversity, and values ​​community.
1. **Reproductive Rights**: With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, many women lost their constitutional right to make decisions about their own bodies. The blue vote is an essential step towards restoring and protecting reproductive rights, ensuring access to health care and allowing women to decide their future without government interference. .
2. **Economic Equity**: Wage disparity, lack of family leave, and workplace discrimination disproportionately impact women. By voting for Democratic candidates, women support policies that advocate equal pay, affordable parental leave, and paid family leave, all important measures to build a more just economy.
3. **Climate Action**: Environmental degradation disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Women are often the caretakers of both their families and communities, and they have a strong interest in tackling climate change. The Democratic Party platform recognizes the urgent need to protect the planet for future generations and emphasizes action on climate change and environmental justice.
4. **Educational Opportunity**: Education is a great equalizer, but only if it is accessible and well-funded. Voting Blue supports expanding access to quality education, from universal preschool to free community college, closing opportunity gaps and helping young people prepare for a rapidly changing world. Masu.
5. **Justice Reform and Public Safety**: Democrats have supported criminal justice reform that addresses racial disparities, police accountability, and mass incarceration. Women of all backgrounds know that true safety comes from community investment, mental health resources, and a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation.
There is great power in collective action. When black, brown, and white women stand side by side, the ripple effects are felt at every level of society. Voting blue in 2024 is more than just a political statement. It is a declaration of unity and a promise to protect the rights and future of women everywhere. It is an affirmation that all women’s voices matter, regardless of race, background, or economic status.
The act of voting together as a united force can and will inspire others to do the same. This work tells young girls that their future is secured by women who refuse to give in to fear and division. It ensures that marginalized communities have allies in the fight for equality. And it sends a message to political leaders that they cannot compromise on their values ​​of compassion, fairness and respect for all.
Imagine waking up the morning after an election knowing that we chose a path of inclusion, empowerment, and progress. Imagine a world where our daughters, nieces, and granddaughters inherit a society that values ​​their voice and autonomy. In this world, women lead, policies reflect compassion, and justice triumphs over bigotry.
When women vote blue in 2024, they are voting for a future that belongs to all of us. This is a future where we are not divided by race, class or political ideology, but united by a common vision of equality and opportunity. By coming together as allies in this critical election, our Black, brown, and white sisters can create a legacy of resilience and hope.
There is a verse in the Psalms that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” A FB friend of mine who posts stories on FB every day also posted a story last week. In it, Dr. Berry told the story of how his black and brown friends were confident in Vice President Kamala Harris’ victory, while his white friends were shaking in despair. In her summation, she concluded that black and brown women had no choice but to live more optimistically, so they believed in the saying, “Joy comes in the morning.”
This sentiment reflects the collective spirit of women in 2024. We have endured setbacks, challenges, and heartbreak over the years, but now, as we stand on the precipice of change, there is a sense of joy and anticipation. This joy is not naive or untested. It’s the kind of joy that comes from knowing that justice and fairness are worth fighting for.
We stand together, not just for ourselves, but for each other, our children, and the generations that will come after us. And when the sun rises in a new era, we will rise together in pride and fortitude, knowing that we answered the call, showed up, and united to change the world.
I send you some light love, peace, and prayers that after all votes are cast on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, we wake up to a more just and positively striving America.
Catherine Vallière 11/04/2024
Source: A’ho Namaste – www.ahonamaste.com
