Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election, Black female scholars, organizers, and political analysts are taking a critical look at the systemic forces that may have shaped the outcome. Many point to the compounded impact of racism and sexism that Harris faced throughout her campaign—ranging from media bias and online disinformation to the subtle yet persistent erasure of her accomplishments. These women emphasize that while Harris’s candidacy was historic, it also revealed how America still struggles to fully support and accept Black female leadership at the highest levels. Despite the loss, the conversation among Black women has shifted toward the importance of building stronger community coalitions, investing in grassroots organizing, and mentoring the next generation of political leaders. For many, Harris’s campaign is not seen as a defeat—but as a call to action to continue pushing for representation, equity, and justice in politics.
