After the results of this past election, I wanted to explore the possible reasons for why some Black men didn’t give their support.
The 2020 election saw Kamala Harris break significant barriers as the first Black and South Asian woman elected to the office of Vice President in the United States. She represented a beacon of hope for many, a symbol of resilience and diversity. However, a portion of my brothers appeared skeptical or indifferent, and some even voiced opposition. I believe that understanding why not all Black men felt inclined to support her reveals a complex intersection of history, self-perception, and enduring social dynamics. Let’s delve into how the legacy of Jim Crow, internalized racial struggles, and sexism might have contributed to this phenomenon.
1. The Lingering Shadow of Jim Crow and Slavery
Does the spirit of Jim Crow still live among and within us, today? For centuries, Black communities in America have faced systemic oppression, including the brutal realities of slavery and Jim Crow laws. These periods were marked by relentless efforts to strip Black men of their agency, rights, and, perhaps most crucially, dignity. The political system was the enforcer of this dehumanization, making many Black men deeply suspicious of government institutions and those who represent them. Kamala Harris, as a former prosecutor, faced criticism for her role in the criminal justice system—a system that, historically and disproportionately, has targeted Black men.
Some critics argued that her background in law enforcement was incompatible with the community’s push for justice reform and that it evoked painful memories of a system that has consistently wronged Black men. Whether or not these criticisms are entirely fair to Harris’s own record, the lived experiences of Black men with these systems fueled hesitation. This historical trauma, carried down through generations, created a disconnect for those who felt her presence in the political machine represented a betrayal rather than a win.
2. Self-Perception and Internalized Oppression
An often-undiscussed aspect of systemic racism is how it fosters internalized oppression. Decades of negative stereotypes, persistent discrimination, and economic disenfranchisement have left scars on the psyche of many Black men. Internalized oppression can lead to feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness, and, in some cases, resentment toward those who manage to break through societal barriers. When Harris rose to her prominent position, some may have felt that her success highlighted their own struggles or unmet ambitions.
Additionally, within Black communities, there can sometimes be a rift between those perceived as “too close” to White or mainstream culture. This dynamic is often a product of internalized oppression, where success within the existing system is seen not as a victory but as assimilation or a loss of cultural integrity. Kamala Harris, a highly educated professional, might have represented this to some, triggering resentment or suspicion that she was part of a political and social elite, rather than an ally who understood the everyday struggles of Black men.
3. The Role of Sexism and Gender Bias
Sexism remains a persistent issue in many communities, and unfortunately, it’s not absent within the Black community. Black women have long been leaders in activism, civil rights, and community building, yet they have often faced resistance when stepping into leadership roles. The election of a woman, especially one in such a high-profile position, can be unsettling for some who are conditioned by traditional views of gender roles.
Kamala Harris’s position challenged traditional ideas about masculinity and leadership, which, in turn, sparked discomfort among some Black men. Acknowledging her intelligence, success, and influence required dismantling gender biases—a process that is challenging for anyone who has grown up in a society that constantly reinforces stereotypes of male authority. Additionally, there has been a long-standing expectation that Black women support Black men unconditionally, but Black women leading, succeeding, and commanding respect in their own right can feel like a departure from the usual dynamics.
4. Colorism and “Respectability Politics”
The layers of identity within Black America are rich and multifaceted, but they’re not immune to biases such as colorism. Although Harris is a Black woman, her biracial heritage and lighter skin might have influenced perceptions of her as someone “less Black” or as someone with an easier path; “She’s just not Black enough.” Colorism, a byproduct of white supremacy that privileges lighter-skinned people, can deepen divisions within our communities.
Moreover, respectability politics—the idea that we must behave in “acceptable” ways to gain approval—plays a part in shaping opinions. Harris’s background in law and her historically moderate political stance led some to believe that she was conforming to a system that hasn’t been traditionally inclusive of Black voices, especially those of Black men. This perception reinforced the idea that her ascension was more palatable to mainstream America than it was representative of Black America, creating a perceived gap.
Moving Forward: Building Bridges
The reasons some Black men struggled to rally behind Kamala Harris reveal long-standing fractures within our community around identity, gender, and history. Yet, her election—and the broader visibility of Black women in politics—also provides an opportunity for reflection and growth. We must recognize and address the effects of historical trauma, dismantling internalized biases, and examining gender dynamics can empower our communities to create spaces where everyone, regardless of gender or personal history, feels represented and supported.
How can we tell our daughters that they can be whatever they want to be, yet not support someone who represents them? How can we be so blinded by Colorism, Sexism and anything that keeps us divided? Why do we still allow those who carry the spirit of Jim Crow to trick us into believing that a woman can’t still lead, as many have done in our past?
If we don’t learn from this and change our stance, we will continue to allow the spirit of Jim Crow to live among us and keep us enslaved and bound. But, If we can learn from these complexities, the future of Black political involvement could become more unified and powerful, with an understanding that diversity within our community is a source of strength, not division.
Written by Charmaine Moss, Publisher of RWAM
