Recognizing Our True Narrative and Moving Forward
By Shekera A. Algarin, Esq.
“I don’t measure America by its achievement but by its potential.” — Shirley Chisholm
Our great nation has selective amnesia when it comes to the history of people of color, particularly Black Americans. This was very poignant when Sarah Palin congratulated Senator Kamala Harris for becoming the first woman of color to receive a vice-presidential nomination from a major political party. Former Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Palin, suggested that Senator Harris, “[c]limb upon Geraldine Ferraro’s and my shoulders, and from the most amazing view in your life consider the lessons we learned.” Pondering this statement, many women, particularly Black women, deserve the thanks for building the bridges, standing on the front lines, and forging ahead to create a path to this historic moment.
Black women have been breadwinners, heads of households, and leaders of our community since people of African descent landed on these hallowed shores. We have also been the supporters, nurturers, and foundation from which the Black community launched greatness. But that has not been the historical reference that is celebrated by this country. The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan, was highly suggested by one of my college professors. Unbeknownst to me, this professor decided to use me as a teaching tool. At the time, I was suspicious of her motives, but as I combed through the book I realized three things:
First, Black women had always been in the “workforce”, from enslaved Africans to domestic workers, we have always had to leave our children, husbands and elders behind to satisfy the capitalist yearnings of someone else.
Second, our hard work and contributions have never been fully recognized.
Third, we have been the victims of a horrible and hateful vitriol painting us as “Hottentot Venus”, “welfare queens”, “sassy backtalkers” or “angry Black women.”
Those tropes did not sit well with me as I grew into adulthood because I had witnessed the intelligent, hard working Black women in my family. From my grandmother, who worked as a domestic worker and nurse on the overnight shift at a local hospital, to my mother who became a senior computer systems analyst with the Department of Defense, these women who fit into a stereotypical mold. These were women who met each challenge with success and grace, expanding their horizons and being beacons of hope. They may have been harassed, bullied or threatened because of their skin color, yet they persisted.
If the women in my family had let obstacles stop them from learning, improving and growing, they would not have achieved their goals or improved life for themselves and those around them. They wouldn’t have had such an impact upon me. But this isn’t part of the national lexicon and that was shown on election day. Nearly half of our country voted to stay solidly planted in a system that promotes the “perceived” racial superiority of one group over the rest; a system that is fraught with lies, violence and ignorance. A system that continually leaves Black women at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. Does that mean we will never get past the specter of racism that haunts us on a daily basis; not necessarily. This country does not have to continue to be burdened with a haunting past. We can proceed to dispel the myths and strive, not to perfection, but to our highest potential. That begins by recognizing every culture that has contributed to the multifaceted fabric of our country. Amazingly enough, this is not antithetical to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness but only pushes us to be greater in a myriad of ways.
Contrary to popular belief, America is not a melting pot in which we should all assimilate into one monolithic culture. We are a dynamic citizenry, where each segment has its own characteristics and culture that enhance our country. Black women bring intelligence, tenacity and a sheer will to achieve success in this society and the time has come that our contributions are recognized. The election of President Joe Biden and Madam Vice President Kamala Harris has put the recognition and celebration of Black Women at the forefront of political discourse and I for one, say it is long overdue.
The continued discussion of whether or not there is a clear winner in the presidential election of 2020 shows that the crack in our country’s foundation has widened again. But in our efforts to reach some type of compromise and consensus, we must recognize the feats of people of color and particularly Black women who have given much and expected more from our country. I think of Representative Shirley Chisholm, who announced her candidacy for president on January 25, 1972. She encountered racism, misogyny and threats on her life, simply because she saw potential in our nation and knew we could reach greater heights. Although she was unsuccessful in winning the nomination, she excelled in creating a historical image for our nation. This image has inspired many women of color, particularly Black women, to run for office. Since 2018, there has been a record number of candidates of color across the nation. But, so far the highest height is the nomination and now the election of Madam Vice-President Elect Harris. Her existence has changed the landscape of the presidency and we now see that the aspiration of being in the White House is not only possible but attainable.
