Be Informed, Be Prepared: Subscribe to The TRiiBE’s free weekly newsletter for trustworthy DNC and election news and analysis.
When you are a Black woman, specifically a Black woman in Chicago, you live in an existential dichotomy of visibility and representation vs. marginalization and violence.
That recognition seeps into my consciousness when I cross the intersection of Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue and recall the courageous reporting by Ms. Wells to force the world to see the grievous lynchings throughout the country. I also recall where I and other Black women advance through the thresholds of spaces where we were once restricted access.
Ida B. Wells noted, “The way to right wrongs is to shine the light of truth on them.”
My company, APS & Associates, is a proud vendor for the Democratic National Convention (DNC), and we are now days away from welcoming the Democratic delegates and allied groups to Chicago. Their collective goal is historic, as they will come together to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the first Black female president on a national party ticket — something that was not on this consultant’s bingo card!
As Black women in Chicago, we often live in a tricky box. I have witnessed the juxtaposition while also existing in this inconvenient truth.
As we revel in the excitement of being on the brink of electing Vice President Harris, just a few miles south of us, we are faced with the horrifying account of Sonya Massey’s last hours. We are compelled to shine the light on that wrongdoing.
How can I witness such a high from breaking barriers and progress for Black women while, at the same time, witnessing the systemic violence and marginalization of women in my community?
Vice President Harris shows that, despite the barriers faced, Black women can defy the odds to hold the highest position of power in this country despite extreme public scrutiny. At the same time, Massey’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder that these kinds of achievements don’t erase the broader, deeply rooted social issues Black women face.
The accomplishments of Chicago women – particularly Black Chicago women – are noble and plentiful. They will be displayed for the world to see when our visitors arrive at the DNC.
The city that hosts the DNC is chosen to serve not only as the backdrop but also be a physical reminder of the vision of our country proposed by the party. Our Black Bench is deep.
In this city, with Black women leading, Chicago has been a leader around key issues for this upcoming election. Whether that be criminal justice reform through State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and her courageous push towards making our criminal justice system fairer with the elimination of cash bail; education reforms with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and their president Stacy Davis Gates leading the charge in advocating for our better working conditions for our teachers; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reforming our healthcare systems and balancing a budget of over $9 billion for Cook County; Midway Broadcasting Corporation owner Melody Spann-Cooper leading WVON 1690AM, the largest Black radio station in the country, serving as a trusted news source for Black Americans all over the midwest.
With the leadership of three powerful Black women, Convention Chair Minyon Moore, Convention Host Committee Executive Director Christy George and Convention Senior Advisor Keiana Barrett, the DNC is off to a strong start in following the example set by Chicago.
These courageous strong Black women are in these positions to protect and advocate for our community because Chicago TRUSTS in the leadership of Black women.
Is the nation ready to follow suit?
The future first female POTUS once said, “Anyone who claims to be a leader must speak like a leader. That means speaking with integrity and truth.”
My truth is that Black women have been at the forefront of leadership and change, guiding our nation toward progress. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to drive meaningful change and our leadership is essential for shaping a more just and equitable future for all.
Our nation needs to trust in our abilities to continue the progress we’ve made so far and to continue to push our country in the direction of progress in 2024.
