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A reflection: How Kamala Harris is carrying the torch

Editorial / Opinion Piece / Blog Post

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September 27, 2024

A reflection: How Kamala Harris is carrying the torch

Source: The Fulcrum

This potent idea, popularized by trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and bell hooks, continues to resonate through women's leadership actions today. It's particularly relevant in the context of the 2024 election, as we witness Harris' campaign and the unmistakable impact of her personal experiences on her political vision.

Chisholm's legacy is one of groundbreaking firsts. The first Black woman in Congress and the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, Chisholm challenged the political status quo. Her unapologetic advocacy for women's rights, people of color and people experiencing poverty embodied the idea that personal experiences and identities shape political action. Chisholm famously said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Her boldness and determination continue to inspire women to claim their rightful space in politics, serving as an example of hope and encouragement for generations to come.

Renowned author and scholar bell hooks spent her career exploring the intersections of race, gender and class. Her work has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of how systems of oppression operate and how individuals can resist. She argues that “personal is political” is not just a slogan but a strategy for liberation. By centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized people, we can challenge dominant power structures and create a more just society.

Read here the full article published by The Fulcrum on 26 September 2024.

Image credits: The Fulcrum

 

Author
F. Willis Johnson
Focus areas

This potent idea, popularized by trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and bell hooks, continues to resonate through women's leadership actions today. It's particularly relevant in the context of the 2024 election, as we witness Harris' campaign and the unmistakable impact of her personal experiences on her political vision.

Chisholm's legacy is one of groundbreaking firsts. The first Black woman in Congress and the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, Chisholm challenged the political status quo. Her unapologetic advocacy for women's rights, people of color and people experiencing poverty embodied the idea that personal experiences and identities shape political action. Chisholm famously said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Her boldness and determination continue to inspire women to claim their rightful space in politics, serving as an example of hope and encouragement for generations to come.

Renowned author and scholar bell hooks spent her career exploring the intersections of race, gender and class. Her work has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of how systems of oppression operate and how individuals can resist. She argues that “personal is political” is not just a slogan but a strategy for liberation. By centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized people, we can challenge dominant power structures and create a more just society.

Read here the full article published by The Fulcrum on 26 September 2024.

Image credits: The Fulcrum

 

Author
F. Willis Johnson
Focus areas