As a younger member of Gen Z, the 2024 election is the first year that I can vote for the president of the United States. The buildup to the election, as well as the recent change in the Democratic Presidential Candidate from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris, has me wondering how other Denver Black voters feel about the current events leading up to the election and its potential outcomes.
Harris is making history as the first Black woman and Indian American in the U.S. to secure a major party’s presidential nomination. 92% of single-race Black, non-Hispanic voters cast a vote for Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election and played a major role in Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Black eligible voters in the United States are expected to reach nearly 34.5 million by November 2024, accounting for 14% of all eligible voters.
I am writing ahead of Harris’ appearance at the Democratic National Convention, which will be held from August 19 to 22 in Chicago and will provide voters with an opportunity to learn more about Harris and her policies.
Before starting this project, I assumed that Denver Black voters would overwhelmingly support Harris’ presidential candidacy. I was not totally wrong, as enthusiasm amongst the Black community is high, but I discovered that the reasoning behind the Black vote is more layered than one might think and it is definitely not homogeneous.
Harris being the Democratic Party’s candidate has sparked excitement in the Black community about the possibility of having another Black president with whom the community can identify, but that is not the only factor considered when Black citizens vote in November.
“I believe that multiple things can be true at the same time,” Tinika, a 42-year-old mom, said. “I hold the tension between being a Black American wanting to see history rewritten in regards to seeing a face that looks like mine become president, and race also not being a key factor in who I vote for. I would never vote for someone just simply based on race.”
When asking people in the Black community what specific aspects of Harris’ candidacy for president are important to them, the response was more varied. Denver Black voters are encouraged by her stance on social and economic issues, as well as the fact that she is a candidate who will fight for everyone, not just a select few.
“I want to see her honesty and strength do things that are going to help grow our country,” said Teresa, a 68-year-old retiree who has voted for president of the United States 12 times. “Not just talk to get Black votes, but actually deliver on the policies and issues to help the people that are depending on her for change.”
There is a desire for authentic leadership, emphasizing that Black voters are looking for tangible actions and commitments rather than mere rhetoric. Those in the community believe her experience as vice president can benefit her in a potential role as president.
“Kamala Harris has been our vice president throughout all these years so she’s seen firsthand, in a position of power, that we need to fix our country,” Aniyah, 30, who will vote for the fourth time in November 2024, said. “I hope she can be the change that’s needed.”
Through discussions with members of the community, I discovered that Denver Black voters who have previously voted are more hesitant about how elections play out than new voters. Many people talk about former President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and how difficult it was for him due to constant criticism and scrutiny from others.
“I do worry about if [Kamala Harris] will win because she has such a short amount of time to campaign,” said Aniyah. “I mean, Obama had as much time as anyone else and I still wasn’t sure if he was going to win the first or second time.”
There is a broader anxiety within the community, as many older voters in the community feel that the pressures of a condensed campaign could hinder Harris’ chances and meaningful engagement with voters.
Thoughts of what could happen if Kamala Harris does not win occasionally cross my mind, even more so after my conversations with older voters. This would be the second time a woman has lost the presidential election, and I am concerned that if Harris does not win, America will never elect a woman president. Another defeat could reinforce the perception that women are not viable candidates for high office, discouraging future generations of women from pursuing leadership positions.
Moreover, the presidential campaign for Kamala Harris represents a significant milestone not only as a woman but also as a woman of color, and her potential loss could send a discouraging message about the intersectionality of race and gender in political leadership, further complicating the path for future diverse candidates in the presidential election.
Other newer voters are trying to stay positive, reflecting on thoughts of hope and optimism about Harris’ campaign despite the potential setbacks she may face and the implications if she were to lose.
“Honestly, I try not to even think about the ‘what ifs,’” Mya, a 21-year-old college student who will vote for the first time this November, said. “I just tell myself Kamala Harris is going to win because any other outcome will send me into a spiral of anxiety.”
With the Democratic National Convention quickly approaching, voters will get the opportunity to hear more about Harris’ policies and stance on certain issues. Harris will officially accept her nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate during the convention. The multi-day event will feature speeches from prominent figures such as current President Biden and former Presidents Obama and Clinton.
Ultimately, by the end of the event, voters should have a clear view of what Harris plans to do if elected to be the next president of the United States. Speeches will be livestreamed and available to the public across over a dozen platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Through this project, I have gained a better understanding of why Black people in Denver are planning to vote for Kamala Harris for president of the United States in November. It has much less to do with the Black community’s ability to identify with her than it does with their desire for change.
The differences in responses I received from newer and older Denver Black voters demonstrate how age groups’ differing experiences and outlooks shape their perception of political campaigns, revealing a nuanced landscape of hope and apprehension as they collectively seek a leader who can address community needs.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Black community’s perspectives reflect a complex mix of optimism, skepticism and determination. Harris’ candidacy symbolizes a historic moment and offers a vision of progress, yet it also highlights the diverse expectations and concerns of voters within the Black community.
While newer generations express optimism and a desire for transformative change, older voters carry the weight of historical challenges and cautious pragmatism. In the end, the election will not only test Harris’ ability to inspire but also the resilience of the Black electorate as they navigate their aspirations for the nation’s future.
