To The 92%ers

This is a love letter to the ones who got it right. To those of African descent who chose to support the most fitting candidate to lead the nation going into the last presidential race. Like those in the generations before us, the work we do is important and sometimes not feel like enough but is necessary.  I think from the night the announcement was made until the results of the election were certified we all held our breaths and still fought the good fight. Something embedded in our DNA.

When I think about how social media movement created by Jotaka Eaddy, “Win With Black Women”, took off the night of the announcement was so beautiful to witness. Led by Mississippi's own, Wakinya Clayton, “Black Women for Her (formerly Black Women for Kamala)”, a Facebook group with almost 300 thousand women also led the charge in efforts to make history with the last election. These are just two of many examples and proof that Black Women can mobilize with hardly any notice and can assist in the mobilization of other groups. We are a movement, and we have historically been at the forefront of change that not only benefits us but benefits all.

Me after casting my historic vote

Expectations and hypocrisy are the burdens Black women have had to bear since the beginning of time. Expected to bear and raise our children and others but not with a partner because we are too headstrong. We are expected to get an education and walk across several stages but not expected to rise the ranks of executive leadership. We are also expected to be quiet but then judged and disregarded when we do not speak up for ourselves.

The 92 Percenters have experienced this and then some. An invisible thread that connected Black women of every hue and every background. Being Black and a woman is such a prolific experience that I cannot dream up enough words to use. So, the hope we had that we would have a chance to elect a Black woman with Black ancestry motivated us to gather and created a spark, almost overnight that was unimaginable. As always, we were on one accord, ready to complete the mission we were tasked with seeing through. It was exciting, it was beautiful, it was real.

Election Night: Getty Images

So, when the day came and we showed up, it appeared that the other agenda won. It seemed that the words of  Fannie Lou Hamer that rang out at the democratic national convention 60 years ago tasted more bitter than sweet. It seemed we were right back where we started.

But to the 92 percenters, I encourage you to turn toward yourself and pour into your communities. There is going to be so much noise for the foreseeable future, but there is still work to be done. In your immediate area first and beyond. I encourage you to lock in. The work continues no matter who won. Feelings of deflation are natural. I felt it too. For months. But like myself, I know that you are pivoting, as we have always done. There is still someone who needs your story, your support, your service, your love. And it may be hard, but it is necessary work. Pour into yourself first and back into the work that makes a better environment for you and those around you.

Look at how far we’ve already come. It lights the path for where we must go! Let’s do it big!

*header image: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)