We need to talk about this nonsense surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris and whether she’s “Black enough.” Seriously, it’s 2024, and we’re still playing these games?
When Joe Biden stepped back from the presidential race, all eyes turned to Harris. And while you can bet she’ll be scrutinized from every angle, one criticism we need to kick to the curb is the idea that she doesn’t represent the Black community.
Yes, Harris has mixed heritage—Jamaican and Indian roots—but that doesn’t disqualify her from being part of the Black experience. Critics argue her past as a prosecutor makes her less relatable, especially to those in marginalized communities. They want to use her career against her, as if fighting for justice is something to be ashamed of.
Just look at the absurdity of it all. When Kendrick Lamar dropped his track “Not Like Us”, the knock out punch in his war with Drake the tune became a battleground for light-skinned versus dark-skinned debates, all while the real problem—the exploitation of Black culture—was overshadowed. Harris, in a video with Taraji P. Henson, using that same track to galvanize voters. Instead of unifying, some folks labeled her move as pandering, questioning whether she’s “one of us.” /n
But let’s be clear: Harris is more than “one of us.” She is an integral part of the Black community, with a unique perspective on the struggles faced by people of color. Growing up in Oakland, California, she experienced firsthand the systemic racism and discrimination that plagues our society. And as a prosecutor, she fought for criminal justice reform and spoke out against police brutality.
So why are we still questioning her identity? Is it because she doesn’t fit into one neat box or conform to societal expectations of what a Black person should look like or act like? Well, guess what? That’s precisely what makes Harris so powerful. She breaks down these limited notions of race and dismantles the harmful stereotypes that have held us back for far too long.
We cannot continue to put people into these narrow, confining categories based on their appearance or career choices. Harris is a prime example of how one person can embody multiple identities and still be an authentic representation of the Black community. We should celebrate her diverse background and embrace her as a leader who will fight for all marginalized communities.
So let’s stop with the “Drake” test, and instead, focus on what truly matters: Kamala Harris's qualifications, policies, and commitment to fighting for justice and equality. Let’s move beyond outdated notions of race and embrace a new era of inclusivity and diversity in leadership.
But hold up—who exactly is “us”? Kendrick never defines it explicitly. If we’re talking about being proud members of the Black community, then Harris fits right in. She’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest predominantly Black sorority in the country, and a graduate of Howard University, which is a powerhouse of education for Black students. Her credentials are there; her experiences are valid.
The real question we should be asking is why we're letting superficial arguments about skin tone, country of origin, dictate who gets to claim their identity. It’s a dangerous slippery slope, and it only serves to divide us further.
We’ve seen this narrative play out before, and it’s exhausting. Instead of tearing each other down, let's uplift and celebrate the diversity within our community. Kamala Harris may not fit into a box that some want to create for her, but her identity is rooted in rich cultural experiences that deserve recognition.
It’s high time to ditch the “Drake” test—this arbitrary measure of authenticity based on a flawed understanding of Black culture. Harris's story is complex, layered, and authentically hers.
In a time when we should be coming together to protect democracy, let's not fall into traps that diminish our strength. Kamala Harris is Black enough for me, and she should be for you too. The fight isn’t about proving who’s “Black enough.” It’s about supporting one another and pushing for progress. We need to focus on the bigger picture and remember that our identities are far more than just the skin we live in.
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