The Power of Voting

Honoring Generations of Resilience and Uniting for Our Rights in 2024

Today, Election Day, calls every woman to stand tall, to recognize the legacy we carry, and to protect what’s ours. Voting isn’t about party lines or divisions—it’s about honoring the fierce battles women have fought and showing up to make our lives, our choices, and our futures matter. Generations of women, and especially Black women, poured heart and grit into this fight. We carry that legacy forward with pride and an unwavering sense of purpose.

The Complex History of Women’s Voting Rights

The journey toward women’s voting rights in America wasn’t a straight line. In 1848, when the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, leaders demanded equality and the right to vote. But this early movement centered largely on white women’s struggles, often sidestepping the specific challenges Black women and other women of color faced.

The 19th Amendment in 1920 marked a breakthrough but left too many women outside the polling booth. While white women secured the legal right to vote, Black women—especially in the South—faced unyielding barriers. Intimidation, violent opposition, and discriminatory practices kept many away from the polls. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that meaningful change finally began, allowing Black women and others a fairer path to the polls.

Black Women’s Unique Fight for Rights

For Black women, the fight to vote has always been about more than a ballot. It’s about demanding recognition, equity, and respect. Icons like Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell, and Fannie Lou Hamer knew that equality wouldn’t be achieved without a dual battle for both gender and racial justice. While white suffragists could lean on networks and resources, Black women faced their own battles on all fronts, working with fewer supports and far more resistance. Yet they rose, undeterred, shaping a future rooted in resilience and unbreakable determination.

Voting Challenges Black Women Face Today

Even today, Black women confront hurdles in casting their votes. Despite gains, restrictive voting laws, gerrymandering, limited polling hours, and strict ID requirements still target Black communities. Reports show that states with higher Black populations are often first to implement restrictive voting measures, an ongoing attempt to diminish Black voices in the democratic process.

But Black women continue to show up, undeterred. In 2020, Black women led with one of the highest voter turnout rates, understanding that every vote counts toward shaping a future where families, communities, and future generations are secure and empowered.

What’s at Stake in 2024

Today’s election touches on every facet of our lives. Economic policies, healthcare, education—all of these issues matter. For many Black women, these are not just political talking points; they impact real lives. Black women are often the breadwinners, single mothers, and caregivers, meaning that policies on wages, healthcare, and family leave hit home.

Economic equity remains critical. While white women earn about 82 cents on the dollar compared to men, Black women earn only 63 cents, and Latinas less still. When policies ensure fair pay, affordable childcare, and real workplace protections, women gain a chance to build financial security and pass it on.

Healthcare and reproductive rights carry equally high stakes. Black women face the highest rates of maternal mortality, with death rates three to four times higher than white women. For Black women, the right to healthcare is a matter of survival, dignity, and respect.

Civic Engagement: Our Shared Power and Responsibility

Today, we’re called to do more than just vote. Civic engagement is about actively participating in local issues, supporting women candidates who understand our realities, and pushing for policies that address our needs. When we stand together, we amplify our voices, making it known that women’s rights and well-being are not optional—they’re essential.

Each vote, each act of engagement, holds the power to shape policies that respect our humanity, reflect our needs, and acknowledge our worth. By casting our ballots, we honor those who fought before us and carve a path forward for those who will follow.

A Call to Action for Every Woman

This election is a chance for every woman to embrace the impact we hold. Whether this is your first election or one of many, know that your voice has power. When we stand united, we protect and advance women’s rights, building a future that celebrates every woman’s path, strength, and vision.

Vote with purpose. Together, let’s shape a future that honors each of us. United in 2024, we are a force no one can overlook.