Together We Rise: Joy Cometh in the Morning When All Women Vote Blue!
In the early hours of any great movement, there’s a glow that comes just before the dawn—a sense of hope, unity, and the unwavering determination of people who’ve decided to join hands against all odds. As we approach tomorrow’s vote for President Of The United States of America 2024, that glow is more vibrant than ever, led by the unstoppable force of women, particularly women of color, who’ve long been the backbone of progressive change in America. This year, there is a call to action resonating through every community, every neighborhood, every heart, urging all women—Black, brown, and white—to vote in alignment with the ideals of justice, equality, and compassion. Together, we rise.
Black and brown women have always carried the torch of social and political progress in America. From the civil rights movements to more recent battles for economic equity, climate justice, and reproductive rights, these communities have tirelessly pushed for a vision of America that prioritizes the collective good. It’s not just about a single election or a single candidate. For Black and brown women, it’s about the long game—systemic change that will benefit generations to come. Voting isn’t just a civic duty; it’s an act of love, a deeply held belief that each ballot cast is a step closer to justice. My Senator Raphael Warnock of GA, who preaches from the same pulpit that Martin Luther King Jr. did, stated “I often say that a vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and for our children.”
Historically, black women, in particular, have been the most loyal voting block for progressive candidates. They’ve consistently turned out at higher rates than any other demographic, despite facing the most significant barriers. In 2016 and 2020, they voted in overwhelming numbers for Democratic candidates, rejecting platforms that threatened to roll back civil rights gains, undermine healthcare access, and damage social safety nets.
Meanwhile, Latinas, Native American women, and Asian American women have also shown remarkable commitment to the Democratic cause. For instance, in 2020, 70% of Latina voters supported Democratic candidates, despite facing language barriers, voter suppression tactics, and a lack of targeted outreach from campaigns. Their support was essential in delivering key swing states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia to President Biden, underscoring their vital role in shaping the political landscape.
Despite the critical role women of color play in advancing progressive causes, white women have often been split politically. In 2016, 53% of white women voted for Donald Trump. This number, while somewhat lower in 2020, still showed that white women as a group remained a challenging demographic for Democrats. However, the tides are changing. Conversations around feminism, intersectionality, and privilege are causing many white women to re-evaluate their political choices. The narrative of "suburban housewives" who vote conservative out of a sense of tradition or familial influence is giving way to a more nuanced, independent-minded constituency that sees itself as allies in the broader struggle for social justice. I experienced this today when one of my white conservative Christian friends, texted “I think I’m voting blue”. My initial response. aside from I’m excited for your choice, was your husband and family are going to think I’ve brainwashed you. Her response was how will they know. I with my whole heart believe white women are now emboldened enough and brave enough to go against their husbands and families and finally vote their conscience.
Perhaps I have a better grasp than some of how intimidating it is to walk into that voting booth and vote against your husband and in my case my whole family on my mother’s side! I also have a unique perspective, by once being divorced from a white Catholic conservative man and now being married to a Kiowa man who’s people are still being disenfranchised to this day. I’ve been able to vote since turning 18, as have all the women in my family since August of 1920. My hubby’s Kiowa people could not vote until the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965, despite the Indian Citizenship Act passed in 1924.
The issues at stake in 2024—reproductive rights, climate change, healthcare access, education, and economic justice—affect all women, regardless of race. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a wake-up call that catalyzed a wave of activism among white women, including many who had previously identified as moderate or conservative. This, combined with increasing awareness of racial and economic inequities, is pushing more white women to reject conservative platforms that fail to address these critical issues.
The reality is that many white women are no longer willing to toe the line of tradition or prioritize the expectations of their families, spouses, or communities over their personal convictions. In fact, more and more are finding their way to organizing groups, progressive causes, and mutual aid networks that support a Democratic vision for the future. They’re recognizing that the political landscape has shifted dramatically and that staying on the sidelines is no longer an option. As tomorrow speeds to us, the collective consciousness among white women is awakening to the call for solidarity, justice, and, yes change.
This year, the stakes could not be higher. The 2024 election isn’t just about choosing a president; it’s about defining the moral and ethical fabric of our society. We’re at a crossroads where one path leads to inclusivity, progress, and a sense of unity, while the other would entrench division, restriction, and regression. By voting blue, women are choosing a future that honors freedom, respects diversity, and values community.
1. **Reproductive Rights**: With Roe v. Wade overturned, many women have lost the constitutional right to make decisions about their own bodies. Voting blue is an essential step toward restoring and protecting reproductive rights, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and that women can decide their futures free from government interference.
2. **Economic Equity**: Wage gaps, lack of family leave, and workplace discrimination affect women disproportionately. By voting for Democratic candidates, women are supporting policies that advocate for equal pay, affordable childcare, and paid family leave key measures for building a fairer economy.
3. **Climate Action**: Environmental degradation disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Women, who are often caretakers of both families and communities, have a vested interest in addressing climate change. The Democratic platform emphasizes action on climate change and environmental justice, recognizing the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations.
4. **Educational Opportunities**: Education is the great equalizer, but only if it’s accessible and well-funded. Voting blue supports expanded access to quality education, from universal pre-K to free community college, which helps close opportunity gaps and prepares young people for a rapidly changing world.
5. **Justice Reform and Public Safety**: The Democratic Party has championed reforms to the criminal justice system, addressing racial disparities, police accountability, and mass incarceration. Women of all backgrounds recognize that true safety comes from community investment, mental health resources, and a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation.
There is immense power in collective action. When Black, brown, and white women stand side by side, the ripple effect is felt across every level of society. Voting blue in 2024 isn’t just a political statement; it’s a declaration of unity, a commitment to protecting the rights and futures of women everywhere. It’s an affirmation that every woman’s voice, regardless of race, background, or economic status, matters.
The act of voting together, as a united force, can and will inspire others to follow suit. It tells young girls that their future will be safeguarded by women who refused to let fear or division win. It assures marginalized communities that they have allies in the struggle for equality. And it sends a message to political leaders that the values of compassion, fairness, and respect for all cannot be compromised.
Imagine waking up on the morning after the election with the knowledge that we’ve chosen a path of inclusivity, empowerment, and progress. Picture a world where our daughters, nieces, and granddaughters inherit a society that values their voices and their autonomy. In this world, women hold leadership roles, policies reflect compassion, and justice prevails over prejudice.
When women vote blue in 2024, they’re casting a ballot for a future that belongs to all of us. This is a future where we’re not pitted against each other by race, class, or political ideology, but united by a shared vision of equality and opportunity. Black, brown, and white sisters coming together as allies in this critical election can create a legacy of resilience and hope.
There’s a verse from Psalms that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” My FB friend who posts stories on FB every day, posted one last week. In it, Dr. Berry told the story of her black and brown friend’s confidence on VP Kamala Harris’s win, yet her white friends are hand wringing with despair. In her summation, she concluded, black and brown woman have had no choice but to live with a higher degree of optimism thus their confidence in the words “Joy Cometh In The Morning “.
This sentiment echoes the collective spirit of women in 2024. We’ve endured years of setbacks, challenges, and heartbreak, but now, as we stand on the precipice of change, there’s a sense of joy and anticipation. This joy isn’t naïve or untested; it’s the kind of joy that comes from knowing that justice and equity are worth fighting for.
Together, we rise—not just for ourselves, but for each other, for our children, and for the generations that will come after us. And as the sun rises on a new era, we’ll stand together, proud and unbreakable, knowing that we answered the call, that we showed up, and that in our unity, we changed the world.
I send light love peace and prayers, that after all the votes are cast on Tuesday November 5th 2024 we will wake up to a more equitable and forward striving America!
Catherine Valliere 11/04/2024
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