Black women in Pittsburgh react to Kamala Harris' presidential bid

More than 44,000 Black women from across the country gathered on a Zoom call Sunday, mobilizing swiftly when President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Some Black women from Pittsburgh joined the call and came away energized.

“I can’t contain myself,” said Connie Portis, a retired publisher for Renaissance Publications, a former magazine that highlighted Black life in Pittsburgh. “Those of us who are my age feel this sigh of relief.”

Portis said she will do everything she can to make sure that Harris is elected. She was on the Zoom call and said this is for more than just Black women. She’s fundraising, spreading awareness about voting and Harris’ candidacy.

“We know that people want to undermine her,” Portis said, describing sexism and racism. “We expect that, but that is only a motivator. Black women have always remained encouraged.”

Mayor Joelisa McDonald of Rankin said she felt a huge sense of pride.

“Being able to share the moment with more than 40,000 Black women made it all the more special,” she said. “I was not surprised by the fundraising turnout because when women come together, anything is possible.”

She said Black women are resilient.

“We may bend, but trust that we are unbreakable,” she said.

Along with the sense of excitement and pride, many Black women are now in strategy mode, developing ways to get involved, galvanize voters and continue to gain momentum and donations.

Sharnay Hearn Davis, founder of The Sisters Lifting as We Climb Network, is transmuting the energy from the Zoom call into action. The Network was founded in 2015 as a community that supports Black women in Pittsburgh and beyond to improve their quality of life through empowerment and economic advancement.

“As a nation, we witnessed the power of Black women mobilizing. This is who we are and what we do inherently. The momentum and energy are inspiring, but we need substance to back it up,” Hearn Davis said.

She emphasized that change does not happen overnight, especially with systemic issues.

“Not everyone will be happy if she wins, and that’s OK. We have to do our part in our communities regardless of the outcome.”

Hearn Davis also believes the moment highlights the need to invest in Black women-led initiatives and organizations.

“Kamala Harris stands on the shoulders of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, and we should acknowledge and celebrate that,” she said.

Chisholm is a former Congresswoman from New York. In 1968, she was the first Black woman elected to Congress. In 1972, she was the first Black person to run for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

But still, Hearn Davis said Harris must earn “our votes.” As a community leader and citizen, she will pay close attention to Harris’ political agenda and vision over the coming months. Some Black women said they hope that Harris takes more action to move forward with a ceasefire in Palestine and a change in U.S. policy on Gaza.

McDonald said it’s easy for her to support Harris as a Black woman, but her qualifications take her to the next level.

“The absolute bare minimum qualifications to become the President of the United States should be integrity, a genuine concern for the American people and a commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect. Kamala Harris is the only person who meets these qualifications,” McDonald said.

While a bevy of Black women are coming out in droves to support Harris, she is also receiving support from the South Asian community, her alma mater Howard University (a Historic Black College and University) and from her “sorors” — members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Divine Nine, which is the National Pan-Hellenic Council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities.

It’s Harris’ charisma, her laugh and “down-to-earthness,” as Braddock councilwoman Chardae Jones put it, that make her relatable.

Jones said she felt energized on the call Sunday night.

“Being on that call felt like I was part of something historic,” Jones said.

Despite the excitement, many are still aware of the challenges ahead and the backlash that Black women may feel as the election cycle heightens. Black women across the country face discrimination, racism and constant inequity that permeates into all areas of life, Jones noted.

“It is unfortunate that because she is a Black woman, we are going to see a lot of hate toward Black women,” Jones said.

The hate is already being seen, with many doubting Harris’ chances simply because she is a Black woman. Most of the attacks from Republicans have been based on Harris’ race and gender some calling her dumb, mediocre and a DEI candidate.

The joy of Harris’ campaign is also contrasted by the sorrow of Sonya Massey’s killing in Illinois and the release of the distressing body camera footage that came two days after Harris’ announcement, Hearn Davis said. Jones said negativity is another thing Black women will need to shoulder — yet and still, Jones said she is proud to be a Black woman and share in this historical event.

As Hearn Davis reflects on what is next, she can’t help but marvel at the moment.

“Kamala is an inspiration to us all. Her unwavering determination and resilience will undoubtedly continue to inspire others as she strives for the highest office in the land.”