A much maligned and disrespected group of our citizenry has just saved us from tyranny and an authoritarian. Even with all they have had to endure for centuries, black women deserve much of the credit for helping to deliver several states, and this election, elect Biden/Harris.
The strong black women I have come through my life in some fashion, and who help me grow as a person every day, have been on my mind. Sadly, names have never been a strong point for me, but their faces have floated through my minds-eye over the past few days.
I want to say a humble thank you to those I’ve come to admire from afar, and those who I’ve known, or know, personally.
Thank you to Stacey Abrams, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Lori Lightfoot, Kamala Harris, LaTosha Brown, Yamiche Alcindor, Danielle Moodie Mills, Maya Wiley, Donna Brazile, Joy Ann Reid, and Michelle Obama for your writing, for your speaking out, and for your political efforts.
More personally, thank you Ruby, Phyllis, Latosha, Christen, Shawniece, Lashonda, Edwina, Kimberly, Mila, Tiffany, Taylor, Karmen, Tracy, Adis and the many mom’s and grandma’s of my students who helped push my understanding of myself and the reality of people of color in our country. They continue, directly and indirectly, to motivate and influence me to do better in being anti-racist.
Who are the strong black women who have influenced you?
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 