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Black Women Getting ‘Return on Our Voting Investment’ at Democrats’ dem’s Convention
August 2024
At the Democratic National Convention, one message rang loud and clear: Black women are finally seeing a “return on our voting investment.” Long hailed as the backbone of the Democratic Party, Black women have consistently shown up at the polls, playing a pivotal role in electing progressive leaders and shaping the party’s platform. Now, as the 2024 election season gains momentum, the Democratic Party is not only acknowledging their contributions but actively working to deliver results that reflect the power of their vote.
The Power of the Black Female Vote
For decades, Black women have been one of the most reliable and influential voting blocs in American politics. In every election, their turnout rates have been consistently higher than other demographic groups, particularly in the African American community. In the 2020 election, Black women were instrumental in flipping key swing states, helping President Joe Biden win the White House. From Georgia to Michigan, their collective vote was a deciding factor in securing the Democratic victory.dem’s
Stacey Abrams, a prominent Democratic leader and former gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, has often highlighted the role of Black women in shaping American politics. “We’re not just the backbone of the Democratic Party,” Abrams stated at a convention panel, “we are its heart and its soul.” For Abrams and many other political leaders, this convention marks a turning point where the contributions of Black women are being actively recognized—and rewarded—with policies and leadership roles that reflect their commitment to social justice, economic equity, and political progress.dem’s
Increased Representation and Leadership
One of the most notable developments at the convention was the visible increase in Black women in leadership positions within the Democratic Party. From local city councils to state legislatures and national officeholders, Black women are holding more political power than ever before. Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison emphasized this during his speech, noting, “Black women have worked tirelessly to bring about change in this country. We owe them more than our gratitude—we owe them representation, respect, and real change.”dem’s
Leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman and Asian-American to hold the office, serve as shining examples of how far Black women have come in politics. Harris, who delivered a keynote address at the convention, spoke about the importance of translating voting power into tangible progress for Black women and their communities. “For years, Black women have been told to wait for their moment,” Harris said. “But now, we’re seeing that our moment is here—and it’s about more than representation. It’s about putting our issues at the center of the national conversation.”
Newly elected Democratic mayors, representatives, and senators who are Black women were also celebrated at the convention. Figures like Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Summer Lee (D-PA) are part of a new wave of Black women shaping the future of the Democratic Party, and their presence at the convention signaled the growing political clout of Black female leaders.dem’s
Policy Wins and Legislative Action
Beyond increased representation, the convention also highlighted specific policy achievements that are directly benefiting Black women. The Biden-Harris administration has made significant strides in advancing policies focused on economic empowerment, maternal health, criminal justice reform, and voting rights—issues that disproportionately affect Black women and their families.
One of the most significant pieces of legislation hailed at the convention was the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which aims to address the disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women in the U.S. The bill, which was introduced by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), seeks to improve health outcomes for Black mothers by expanding access to care, investing in community-based programs, and addressing systemic racism in healthcare.dem’s
“The fact that Black women are dying at rates three to four times higher than white women during childbirth is a national crisis,” Underwood said during her convention address. “We’ve made it clear that we will no longer accept this as our reality, and the Democratic Party is committed to making sure Black women live healthy, dignified lives.”dem’s
Other policy achievements that were spotlighted include initiatives to close the racial wealth gap, expand access to affordable housing, and advance criminal justice reform—policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in incarceration rates, policing practices, and sentencing.
The Fight for Voting Rights
One of the central themes of the convention was the ongoing fight for voting rights, an issue that has deeply resonated with Black women voters, especially given their outsized role in turning out the vote. The passage of voting restrictions in several Republican-led states has led to renewed calls for federal voting protections, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act. Both bills, which aim to protect voting access and prevent discriminatory practices, have faced significant opposition in Congress.
Democratic leaders at the convention underscored the importance of safeguarding the right to vote, with many acknowledging that Black women have been at the forefront of the battle to protect democracy. “We are fighting against a coordinated effort to suppress the Black vote,” said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter. “But what they don’t realize is that Black women have always fought for our right to vote, and we will continue to do so until every voice is heard.”
Vice President Harris also stressed the importance of voting rights in her speech, calling on Congress to pass comprehensive voting protections. “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy,” Harris said. “And Black women have always been on the front lines of defending that right. We will not stand idly by as it’s taken away.”
