In the summer of 1964, Fannie Lou Hamer, founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), traveled to New Jersey battered but not deterred. She aimed to convince the national party to seat the MFDP delegates over the established Mississippi Democratic Party due to its opposition to Black voting rights.
She shocked the world and DNC with harrowing details of racism, fear, and physical assault due to her audacity to dream of a better America and attempt to realize that dream by registering to vote.
Nearly 60 years later, as Kamala Harris—the first Black woman nominated for President of the United States by any major political party—graced the DNC stage, we find ourselves in a moment that Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisolhm willed…the Summer of the Black Woman.
Black women have always been at the center of everything, but this summer feels like we are the moment. You can feel it in the culture, too.
Black women dominate the music charts, runways, and TV screens.
On the basketball court, Black women—seldom appreciated for their contributions to the WNBA—are at the forefront of the league. From A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese’s dominance on and off the court, Black women continue to push the league forward whether the established media likes it or not.
The world saw our magic at the Olympics in Paris with Simone, Sha’Carri, Gabby, Masai, and Jordan.
It’s only fitting that this summer is capped off with the most powerful woman in the world— a Black woman — on the precipice of history yet again. This is a testament to our resilience despite the obstacles and no margin for error.
This was built by our grit, defiance, and excellence. It is unbossed and unbought. We earned this. We built it brick by brick.
It’s not a phase or a trend. It’s a legacy built by Black women who dared to dream even if they knew they wouldn’t be alive to relish the moment.
To the women who pushed us forward…this summer is for you.