If You Want Black Women to Do More, Commit to This First

Stop the BS — People keep asking, “What more can Kamala Harris do?” while ignoring the fact that Black women have been carrying this democracy on our backs since day one. The Republican Party is a mix of cowards, pimps, and opportunists. They depend on the 20% of us doing 80% of the work to keep this country afloat while they dabble in fascism-lite. Meanwhile, some exhausted mom somewhere is thinking, “Maybe I can squeeze in canvassing between my first and second job, after cooking dinner and putting the kids to bed.”

Let’s be clear: stop asking what more Kamala can do to convince people. The answer is NOTHING. Anything short of Jesus Christ himself endorsing her won’t be enough. And even then, someone would wave a “Christians Against Christ” Trump flag—because that’s the upside-down world we’re living in. We are in purgatory, and Trump is our penance.

More Than 90% of Black Women Vote Democrat

We don’t back Democrats because we’re swooning over Pelosi. We do it because we care about our families, our children, and yes, we know that loving our country and preserving democracy is part of protecting all of that.

For all of you asking Kamala to be a flawless, halo-wearing, angelic force of nature (and she’s getting close), while simultaneously hoping Michelle Obama will keep delivering speeches so powerful they lead to religious conversions, that Beyoncé will magically turn every rally into a Super Bowl halftime show, or that Oprah will keep handing out free cars, homes, maybe even a private island… and that 90-plus percent of Black women will not only vote to preserve American democracy but also keep volunteering, canvassing, and making calls—I need you to do a little something for us in return.

1. Declare Black maternal mortality a national emergency and fund it accordingly.

Black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, a disparity that remains regardless of income or education level. Despite this, federal funding for Black maternal health is minimal—around $6 million annually. A tenfold increase would support the programs, data collection, and community initiatives needed to save Black women’s lives .

2. Invest in Black neonatal health with a 10-fold increase in funding.

Black infants suffer the highest mortality rates of any racial or ethnic group, with about 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 4.6 per 1,000 for white infants . Preterm birth rates, 50% higher among Black women, contribute significantly to this crisis. Federal funding barely exists, despite research showing that access to prenatal care, nutrition programs, and stable housing can help mitigate these risks. A real “pro-life” stance would start with protecting Black infants.

3. Increase funding by 300% to address cancer disparities for Black women.

Black women face a higher mortality rate across multiple cancers: 40% more likely to die from breast cancer, twice as likely to die from uterine cancer, and 20% more likely to die from colon cancer . Federal funding dedicated to these disparities is scarce, even as the need for screening, early diagnosis, and treatment access grows. A 300% increase in funding is essential to make a real difference.

4. Expand funding for early childhood education and eliminate education deserts.

Black children are far less likely to access quality early childhood education than their white counterparts, yet this access is critical for lifelong success. Studies show that every dollar invested in early education yields a $7 return in reduced social costs and increased earnings, but funding in low-income and Black communities remains inadequate . A tenfold funding increase could finally bridge this gap and give Black children an equitable start.

5. Pack the courts and overturn rulings that harm civil rights and democracy.

The courts have steadily dismantled protections essential to our Democracy. Decisions like Shelby County v. Holder (gutting the Voting Rights Act), Dobbs v. Jackson (restricting reproductive rights), and Citizens United (amplifying corporate influence) have rolled back rights disproportionately affecting Black Americans. Judicial reform, including expanding the courts, is essential to restore these basic protections .

6. Fund Black women entrepreneurs at levels that reflect our innovation and drive.

Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, launching businesses at higher rates than any other demographic. Studies show that Black women own over 2.7 million businesses in the United States, yet they face significant funding gaps, receiving just 0.35% of venture capital investments. Despite these financial barriers, Black women entrepreneurs often hold higher levels of educational attainment, with nearly 30% of Black women business owners holding a bachelor’s degree or higher—a rate above the national average. Equitable funding for Black women-owned businesses would enable transformative growth within Black communities, where businesses play a central role in creating jobs and building wealth  .

7. Address police reform and gender-based violence against Black women.

Black women face disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence and often confront additional obstacles when reporting these crimes. Research shows that Black women are less likely to have their claims believed by law enforcement, with one study indicating that only 1 in 15 Black women reporting rape see their cases lead to prosecution. Additionally, Black women are 2.5 times more likely than white women to experience sexual assault and are frequently underprotected by the criminal justice system. True police reform should include comprehensive protections for Black women and robust community-based safety programs that prioritize survivor support and justice.

8. Invest in Black men and end disparities in education, incarceration, and health.

We can’t keep expecting Black women to hold up half the sky while watching our brothers, sons, and husbands get swallowed by systems designed to fail them. Black men face higher rates of unemployment, health challenges, and incarceration. College-educated Black men have a life expectancy nearly eight years longer than those without access to education, underscoring the importance of equitable investments in education, health, and workforce programs .

9. Implement banking reform, pay parity, and consumer protections to close the racial wealth gap.

The numbers don’t lie, and neither do our empty bank accounts. Black women earn just 64 cents for every dollar that white men earn, and Black families are more likely to be unbanked or underbanked, making them vulnerable to predatory lenders. Banking reform, pay equity laws, and strict consumer protections are essential to shut down these discriminatory practices and build wealth in Black communities .

10. For the love of God, restore the Freedom Fund grant and hold far-right groups accountable.

The Freedom Fund’s $20K grant for Black women entrepreneurs, though modest, was essential in offering entrepreneurial support to a group that receives so little. Yet, far-right organizations like Americans for Prosperity and Alliance Defending Freedom have pushed for laws that restrict basic rights while attacking funding and resources for marginalized groups. They’ve supported court cases that led to the gutting of voting rights in Shelby County v. Holder and the end of Roe through Dobbs v. Jackson  . It’s time to sue them into oblivion and dismantle the infrastructure corrupting our democracy.

After this election is over, I’m going on a silent retreat. My husband will take care of the kids, my COO will handle the business, I’ll cancel my calls, and I’m running away—hopefully to return to a world where the laws of physics still hold, though who knows, they might have taken those too.

But before I go, America needs to answer: Are you ready to put your money where your mouth is? Because Black women’s patience—like our labor—isn’t free anymore.