The 2024 Presidential election is a political decision layered with profound implications, especially for Black women. America chose Donald Trump—a white man wrapped in privilege, a man with a record of bankruptcies, criminal convictions, and divisive rhetoric—over Kamala Harris, a Black woman with a career rooted in public service, resilience, and breaking barriers. This choice was not just political; it’s a stark reminder of a system built on racial divide and overt bias, one that continues to favor white privilege over Black excellence.
For Black women, this decision goes beyond disappointment. It feels personal, painfully reflective of a centuries-old reality that even the most accomplished among us are forced to operate within a system that was never designed to see our value.
America’s Complex Legacy with Black Women: From 1619 to Kamala Harris
The first enslaved Africans arrived in America in 1619, and among them were Black women whose humanity, contributions, and labor would go unapologetically unacknowledged and uncelebrated for centuries. These women were essential to America’s economic foundation, yet the system denied them basic rights, instead reducing them to property. Generations later, Black women would continue to be the backbone of this country, contributing to everything from family care to civil rights, only to be met with dismissals and denials.
Through Reconstruction, Black women rebuilt families and communities, even as the promises of freedom and prosperity turned into more forms of violence and exclusion. The Civil Rights Movement saw Black women at the forefront—strategists, leaders, and mothers of change—though they were often pushed to the background in history books. From Fannie Lou Hamer to Ella Baker, Black women were instrumental in challenging America’s hypocrisy, demanding rights that the country had denied for generations.
Kamala Harris’s candidacy was a living legacy of those centuries of resilience and struggle. Her life represents the barriers Black women have shattered in education, leadership, and public service. But the 2024 election choice reminds us of an undeniable truth: while white men like Donald Trump are afforded endless chances, Black women must often be perfect, beyond reproach, and far more accomplished just to be considered. America’s response to Harris’s historic journey reveals the depths of that double standard.
Trump vs. Harris: A Nation’s Choices and the Consequences of Privilege
Donald Trump’s candidacy is a glaring example of how privilege works in America. Six bankruptcies, criminal convictions, and a legacy of racial discrimination would have disqualified nearly anyone else. But Trump is shielded by a privilege that allows him to fail upward—a luxury denied to most, especially Black men and women. While Black men are stripped of the right to vote for far less, Trump retains not only his voting rights but his eligibility to lead, despite a criminal record.
This is not new; America has always shown preference for the privilege wrapped in whiteness. For generations, Black Americans have been required to be exceptional to simply exist in spaces taken for granted by others. And for Black women, Kamala Harris’s experience reinforces that the same America that asks for our resilience, our contributions, and our loyalty still struggles to see our worth.
In this election, America embraced scandal over competence, and privilege over proven leadership. For Black women, the message is undeniable: instead of progress, we’re met with a brutal reminder that our excellence, no matter how hard-won, is still seen as secondary in a system that refuses to fully recognize us.
The Rhetoric of Regression: Trump’s Statements on Race, Authority, and Power
As we grapple with the outcome of this election, it’s impossible to ignore the weight of Donald Trump’s words over the years—statements that reveal not only his worldview but also a broader ethos that resonates with many of his supporters. His rhetoric consistently sends a clear message: a return to an era where authority goes unchecked, and divisions along racial and ideological lines are widened, not bridged. His choice of words shapes perceptions, incites actions, and undermines the very values of inclusion and equality that Black women and marginalized communities have fought tirelessly to uphold.
On Police Immunity and Brutality
Trump’s remarks regarding law enforcement reflect a vision of unchecked police power, one that poses a direct threat to communities of color. In May 2024, during a rally in Wisconsin, he declared, “We’re going to give our police their power back, and we are going to give them immunity from prosecution.” [Reason]. This open support for police immunity disregards the longstanding issues of accountability within policing and sends a message to marginalized communities that their safety and rights are secondary.
He doubled down in July 2024, suggesting that “one rough hour” of policing would drastically reduce retail theft [AP News]. Trump’s rhetoric here leans into forceful, punitive measures over constructive solutions, advocating for a brand of law enforcement that prioritizes aggression over empathy or reform.
On the January 6 Insurrection
Perhaps no event encapsulates Trump’s disregard for democratic values like his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Before the insurrection, he addressed supporters, saying, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators, and congressmen and women… You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.” [Politifact]. Even as violence erupted, Trump later referred to the participants as “great people” with “love in the air,” calling it “a day of love” [The Atlantic]. For Black women and those committed to civil rights, these statements are salt in the wounds of a history steeped in the struggle for justice—a reminder of how privilege can shield even the most flagrant acts against democracy.
On Dictatorship and Adolf Hitler
Trump’s comments about authoritarianism reveal an unsettling admiration for totalitarian tactics. According to former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, Trump expressed a desire for military loyalty akin to that of Nazi generals, stating, “I need the kind of generals that Hitler had.” He also reportedly said, “Well, Hitler did some good things,” referencing Nazi Germany’s economic policies [PBS]. Such statements are not only shocking; they threaten to normalize dangerous autocratic ideals in a country built on democratic principles. For those who’ve historically faced oppression, this rhetoric feels like a harbinger of regression to darker times.
Disparaging Remarks About Black Figures and Movements
Trump’s history of inflammatory statements about Black leaders, communities, and movements adds another layer of offense. Regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, he dismissed it as a “symbol of hate” in July 2020 [NY Times]. He fueled racist conspiracies against former President Obama, leading the charge in the birther movement by claiming, “I have people that have been studying it, and they cannot believe what they’re finding.” His stance against the Central Park Five, a group of wrongfully convicted Black and Latino teens, remains equally unforgiving. Even after they were exonerated, he insisted, “They admitted their guilt. And some things, people don’t forget.”
These remarks don’t just reflect personal bias; they fuel a divisive narrative that alienates and vilifies Black communities, undercutting decades of progress in racial equity and civil rights. For Trump supporters, this language may seem like strength or patriotism. For Black Americans and allies, it’s a painful reminder of systemic disregard.
Why This Matters: The “Make America Great Again” Ideology
“Make America Great Again” is a dangerous slogan; it’s a call to return to a vision of America that marginalizes, excludes, and protects the privileged few. Trump’s words and actions reflect an alarming desire to reinstate a hierarchy that dismisses the rights of Black Americans and other marginalized communities, protecting authority and affording immunity to those in power. This election serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the work ahead to safeguard and strengthen our communities, our voices, and our rights.
Actionable Steps Forward
Trump’s rhetoric and vision for America require an urgent response from every corner of our community. To counter this trajectory, we need a sustained, year-round commitment to civic engagement—not just during election cycles. Understanding the mechanisms of local, state, and federal government enables us to harness power strategically and demand accountability.
Get Informed and Stay Engaged Year-Round
Change doesn’t start and end at the ballot box. We must continually educate ourselves and others about government structures, policy-making processes, and our rights as citizens. Civic engagement year-round means attending town halls, advocating for policies, and holding local officials accountable to ensure that our voices shape our communities.
Reverse-Engineer This Election
Every election outcome offers lessons. By analyzing what went wrong and why, we can understand which demographics were overlooked, what narratives prevailed, and how to effectively mobilize going forward. This election is an opportunity to learn, strategize, and fortify our movements.
Join The Fly Savvy Sol Movement
The Fly Savvy Sol Movement is here to provide the resources, guidance, and network needed to secure financial independence, promote political engagement, and uplift our communities. Through financial literacy, mentorship, and mutual support, we can build a legacy of resilience that won’t be swayed by any political figure.
Protect and Empower
Arm yourself with knowledge, build collective wealth, and champion policy changes that defend our rights. From the local to the national level, let’s make our influence undeniable.
Trump’s words may seek to divide, but they only fuel our commitment to build, protect, and thrive together. America’s choice in this election makes it clear: we must be proactive in preserving our progress, pushing forward with clarity and strength, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. The Fly Savvy Sol Movement is here to support you every step of the way.
The Fly Savvy Sol Movement: Financial, Political, and Civic Empowerment
While this election has been a painful reminder of racial inequities, we refuse to be defined by a system that was never built for us. The Fly Savvy Sol Movement stands as a declaration: we are building power on our terms. We will create a future where Black women are not only represented but respected, where wealth, influence, and resilience are ours to cultivate and protect.
1. Financial Independence: Build, Protect, and Grow Our Wealth
- Financial independence is our greatest tool in a world that often devalues us. Understand investments, credit, and wealth-building as a means of securing your future and protecting against the volatility of a system built on inequality.
- Strategy: Invest in assets that you control, explore passive income options, and secure life insurance to ensure generational wealth. Ownership is power, and we’re claiming it.
2. Community Wealth Building: Collective Strength
- Economic security is not just individual; it’s communal. Form investment circles, support Black-owned businesses, and invest in property within our communities. Building wealth together ensures lasting power.
- Strategy: Create or join investment clubs, co-invest in properties or local businesses, and support Black women-owned ventures to amplify our impact. Together, our power multiplies.
3. Year-Round Civic Engagement: Mobilize Beyond the Election
- Voting is essential, but it’s only part of civic duty. Engaging with local, state, and federal government throughout the year empowers us to influence policies that affect us. Understand how these systems work so we can dismantle the barriers they pose and reverse-engineer this election to learn invaluable lessons.
- Strategy: Attend town halls, support local candidates aligned with our needs, volunteer for advocacy groups, and stay engaged year-round. Civic engagement isn’t seasonal; it’s an everyday responsibility to ourselves and our communities.
4. Deepen Knowledge and Leverage Political Power
- Politics impacts every aspect of our lives. Commit to understanding how policies affect Black women specifically, and support those who represent our interests.
- Strategy: Build networks within our communities, invest time in political education, and use your influence to demand accountability. We can no longer afford to be passive in a system that requires our constant vigilance.
5. Wellness and Self-Care: Strength for the Journey
- Our well-being is fundamental to our resilience. Prioritize physical and mental health as essential parts of resistance.
- Strategy: Embrace self-care routines, prioritize mental wellness, and build supportive communities. Our health is not negotiable; it is our foundation.
6. Knowledge and Mentorship: Lift as We Climb
- Pass on what you know. Teach younger generations about financial independence, civic engagement, and personal empowerment.
- Strategy: Mentor young Black women, offer resources to those coming up, and build networks where knowledge is freely shared. Together, we’re creating a legacy that will outlast any election cycle.
Power on Our Own Terms
This election may feel like a setback, but it’s also an awakening. If America cannot see our value, we’ll show it to ourselves and the world. The Fly Savvy Sol Movement is about building our futures without needing validation from a system that has refused to see us for centuries. We are building financial independence, cultivating political influence, and creating legacies that honor our stories, struggles, and triumphs.
We are not waiting for anyone to give us permission to lead. Together, we’re forging a path where Black women are not just seen but valued, where our power is not conditional but absolute. This is our reality, our resolve, and our legacy. America may still struggle to recognize Black women’s worth, but we are rising, creating a future on our terms, and shaping a legacy no one can deny. Together, we’re unstoppable.
