By Asia Alexander
Howard University News Service
The stakes couldn’t be higher for African American voters as we face a pivotal referendum on the future of our democracy on Nov. 5. As we approach this historic election, it’s not just about electing the next president of the United States — it’s about safeguarding our civil rights and securing a future that values equality for all. History has shown us the consequences of inaction, and we cannot afford to be passive.
The possibility of Kamala Harris losing this election would be a heartbreaking blow, especially for African Americans. For decades, the adage that Black people must be two and three times better than their white counterparts to succeed has rung true. This election threatens to cement that reality in the harshest terms.
With her extensive experience as California’s attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president, Harris is more qualified than most to lead our nation. Her path echoes the groundbreaking campaign of U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president in 1972. Back then, America wasn’t ready for a Black president. But today, in 2024, we’ve proven that we are. The question is, will we continue to move forward or allow progress to be undone?
Recent polls show that Kamala Harris is leading the race with 49%, holding a narrow edge over her opponent, former President Donald Trump, who stands at 47%. This slim margin highlights how critical every vote will be in this election. It’s a race that could go either way, and the outcome will shape the future of our nation.
Polls indicate a tight race in the 2024 election, with Harris garnering strong support, especially among younger voters and communities of color. However, at 78, her opponent represents an older generation of conservative politicians.
Ironically, while the Trump campaign ran on ageism in accusing President Joe Biden of being out of touch, the tables have turned. Harris, at 59, brings energy, vitality and a forward-thinking vision crucial to steering America through these challenging times.
However, the implications of a Trump victory would reverberate far beyond the White House. It would signal a devastating return to a time when race and gender determined opportunities. Our ancestors, who fought for civil rights, would feel heartbreak and disappointment as the progress they fought for is reversed. The potential rollback of policies like DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) would be a crushing blow alongside the gutting of affirmative action by the U.S. Supreme Court and the proposed dismantling of the federal government under Project 2025, the conservative playbook prepared by the Heritage Foundation and members of Trump’s inner circle.
We’ve already seen the effects of this shift in education, most notably with the appointment of Claudine Gay as the first Black president of Harvard University. Her rise was a powerful symbol of progress, yet her forced departure symbolizes efforts to dismantle diversity initiatives nationwide.
The biggest misconception is that DEI was something we asked for when it was born out of necessity — a response to centuries of exclusion. From slavery to the segregation of schools, Black Americans have fought tirelessly to be seen and heard in spaces that were never designed for us. Today’s attacks on DEI, along with the banning of books that address race, echo the darkest chapters of our history. It’s not just an attack on inclusion; it’s an attempt to erase our story. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself.
Rejecting Kamala Harris would also devastate the middle class, particularly Black women, African Americans and immigrants. Harris has laid out economic policies to reduce financial barriers for marginalized communities. Harris’s presidency
would be a game-changer for millions of Americans, from offering assistance with housing down payments to implementing federal policies that drive economic growth.
Today, as we remember the anniversary of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing — a day that claimed the lives of four young Black girls during the Civil Rights Movement — it’s a powerful reminder of the battles our community has fought. The 1960s were not that long ago, yet the echoes of that era remain. The fight for democracy, equality and justice is far from over. We cannot turn back now.
Our vote is not just a right; it’s our power. The sacrifices made by those who came before us demand that we honor their legacy by making our voices heard. Democracy itself is on the ballot, and the choice is clear. Let’s not be on the wrong side of history. We must vote for a future that ensures justice and equality for all. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
This commentary by Asia Alexander is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org
