Philadelphia. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the conversation surrounding the Harris-Walz ticket, is heating up—and not in Harris' favor. While many believed that the idea of having the first Black woman president would ignite hope and trust in the African American community, a significant number of Black women feel betrayed and disillusioned stating, "Harris is not on our Code". Their voices, once powerful in lifting her up, are now strategically separating from Harris after seeing too many unbelievable missteps. She is not the champion they hoped she would be. Many see her as unqualified and deceitful, some say she was just the point-person to carry out the coup to remove Biden from office. During a recent MSNBC interview in Philadelphia, Black women shared their frustrations, amplifying a sentiment that’s been brewing for some time. “We just don’t trust her,” said one woman, shaking her head. It’s a simple statement, but it cuts deep. Trust is everything in leadership, and once it’s lost, regaining it is nearly impossible.
A Pathological Liar or a Shapeshifter?
One of the most biting critiques is that Harris is viewed as a “modern-day shape-shifter.” For many Black women, her public persona seems to change depending on who she’s trying to appeal to. One of the strongest accusations is that she presents herself as a Black woman when it’s convenient, despite not being of African American heritage. Born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris is often seen in the public eye as aligning herself with the struggles of Black Americans, but this doesn’t sit right with many in the community.
“We see the code,” said another woman interviewed. “She wants to be everything to everyone, but what about us? She’s not one of us, and she never has been.” The sentiment is harsh, but it’s also a reflection of the deeper issue of representation. Many Black women feel that Harris is trying to ride the coattails of African American identity while not fully understanding or experiencing the systemic issues Black Americans have faced for centuries.
This sense of betrayal isn’t just about race; it’s about authenticity. Many Black women question Harris’s integrity, with some labeling her a “pathological liar.” From her shifting stance on key issues like criminal justice reform to her evasive responses to controversies surrounding her record as a prosecutor, there’s a growing feeling that Harris is willing to say whatever it takes to remain politically viable. This kind of political flexibility might work for some, but in a community that has long faced broken promises and false hope, it feels like more of the same.
The False Promises of Progress
When Harris first took office as vice president, many Black women hoped that her presence would usher in a new era of progress for the community. After all, Black women have been the backbone of the Democratic Party, showing up at the polls and in the streets for generations. Yet, for many, the Harris-Walz administration has failed to deliver on key issues like wealth inequality, healthcare, and police reform—issues that disproportionately impact Black women.
A Philadelphia resident said during the MSNBC interview, "They are all the hype—we can tell she is not right for us."
For many Black Men and women, it’s personal. Over 1,000,000 responses combined from various sites publicly denouncing Harris-Walz.
Contributing Writers: Susan Gratz, Janice Hollis, Amanda Sutherland