Run, Jasmine, Run!
It’s past time that Black women were seen, heard, and followed.
There are too many examples of experienced, qualified Black women who are lauded and celebrated until they throw their hats in the political ring.
Once they decide to run for office, numerous reasons for them not to run magically appear.
“She should wait. It’s not her time.”
“We need to run someone who will attract the most voters.” (translation: a White man)
“She doesn’t have the right temperament to run.”
“She’s too controversial.”
“She has a weird laugh.”
Since Jasmine Crockett has announced her candidacy for the US Senate, the usual excuses are being given why the firebrand Texas congresswoman shouldn’t run.
It’s unfortunate that her Democratic primary opponent, James Talarico, is also an excellent candidate.
But Crockett has as much right to run as Talarico or anyone else.
She deserves our unwavering support.
When few other politicians and public officials had the guts to openly oppose the president, Crockett did so with wit and panache.
She knows how to play hardball with people who don’t know any other way to govern.
She’s demonstrated bravery and fearlessness that every Democratic politician should be emulating.
If she waits for “her turn,” “the right time,” and for the sun, moon, and stars to be properly aligned, she and other Black women will never run for office.
There are far too many Democrats who talk passionately about the need for diversity and inclusion within the party, but when the opportunity comes for them to walk what they’ve been talking, all that is heard are non-stop excuses.
They didn’t want Shirley Chisolm to run for president.
They didn’t want Stacey Abrams to run for governor of Georgia.
They didn’t want Kamala Harris to run for vice president or president.
These people give Black women high-fives one moment, and a butcher knife in the back the next.
Democrats attacking her candidacy should sit back, shut up, and give Crockett their support.
Again, it isn’t ideal for Crockett and Talarico to run against each other for Republican’s John Cornyn’s seat.
But many are tired of Black women being asked to “wait their turn” or “run next time.”
The “turn” and “next time” for Black women never seems to materialize.
A dream continually deferred to make others happy ceases to be a dream and becomes an obligation to make others happy.
Black women have had enough of being people pleasers.
They are willing and able to lead.
It’s well past time to give them the opportunity.