When we vote with Black womyn in mind

Things have been vicious in our world lately and with this crucial election coming up tomorrow, I wanted to check-in. I know I don’t need to tell you to head out and vote because black womyn always show up. We always have our game faces on. We’re never caught slipping. We always vote, and we vote with our communities — and frankly the world — on our backs.

I was sitting in a meeting the other day discussing poll numbers for this election, and all the white men in the room were like “African American turn out is up 200% percent across the country for early voting. But we need them to really turn out.” The one thing that really stuck out to me during that conversation was the “we need them.”

We. Need. Them.

“What if we lived in a world that prioritized black womyn?”

Funny, right? That black people are valuable when we’re needed to do all of the heavy lifting for the Democratic Party, or women, or the black community, or people of color, but what do we get out of it? Has anyone ever said to us “What do black womyn need from us?” I’m still young, granted, but it’s a rare occasion when anyone, and more specifically, a white person is legitimately concerned with the needs of black people, and particularly black womyn.

On Tuesday, we will once again see where white women stand, and I’m not holding my breathe. Just like in 2016 and in Alabama’s special senate election, white women have shown us time and time again that they will not show up for us the way we have and continue to show up for them. But let me be clear: whiteness will not save white women from what the patriarchy has in store for them. Women, everywhere, since the beginning of time have suffered from patriarchy. White women are not immune. They can weaponize their tears and their bodies, but they are not immune from how the patriarchy’s plans. Pussy hats will not save them.

“White women: Your whiteness will not save you from what the patriarchy has in store for you. ”

I wonder though, what if we lived in a world that prioritized black womyn? That actually voted with black womyn in mind? I get chills thinking about the kind of world that would be. A place where black womyn are as valued as the culture we influence. A place where black girls and gender non-conforming youth are thought of as children. A place where black womyn can speak, exist and thrive without fear.

Chills, y’all.

Unfortunately, we know that place doesn’t exist. And, while we continue to fight for black liberation everyday, the bottom line is that on Tuesday, November 6, when the “blue wave” hits, it will be because of black womyn but black womyn won’t have been prioritized.

“Pussy hats will not save them. ”

Even though they love us more than our culture, I want you to know, that you are a priority to me. And while we may celebrate democratic victories on Tuesday, and the remainder of the week we’ll see news stories about the high number of black turnout without a mention of black priorities, I want you to know that the revolution is coming.

I don’t know when or where, but I feel it in my bones. There will be liberation for black womyn.

We will be prioritized and our voices will be heard. Until then, just know that I see your sacrifices when you head to the polls on November 6.

I see you, and thank you.