I was preparing for an interview this afternoon: it was a job that I’d recently applied for (unrelated to the subject of this diary) and I was Zoom-Interview ready. While I was waiting, at the suggestion of one of my friends, I asked a local mayoral candidate (I won’t name names, but “Black male, Virginia Beach, overinflated ego”) who they had on deck for their comms (Campaign Communications). He started the conversation off ALL WRONG – “This guy I’ve been using.” I’ve been down these roads before – you have to give your pitch with the smoothness of tingly Astroglide – “Got it! I love your website but you might want to diversify your social media with some branded templates that showcase your policy positions.” Yeah, he should have paid for that direction, but hey – I’m used to having to give a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit to get them to the paywall. The following was “The Handmaid’s Tale – Virginia Beach,” “I’ve never heard of you – have you ever even worked any local campaigns?”
Excuse me? I think this dude just said, “Have you worked any local campaigns?” Let’s dissect: I’ve been working on local campaigns with my grandmother since I was contractionally evicted from my mother’s uterus eighteen minutes before they were headed for the operating room. Every election, I was with her handing out sample ballots or stuffing bags for canvassers. I taught Politics and Government through Junior Achievement to high schoolers. I’ve been a digital and political strategist for over a decade. I’ve spoken before city councils and general assembly bodies filled with politicians who sit at the feet of the creator, the absolute antichrists, and everything in between. I’m deeply invested in making the world a better place than I found it. I believe in opportunity and giving the underdog a chance at bat. I am the breaker of chains, the mother of dragons, and the HBIC.
Tapping into the media and legislative machine that IS politics is a unicorn – even for WASP men. Then you add women to the mix and the statistics are even lower. Then BLACK WOMEN. Only 5.1% of political office holders in the U.S. are Black women, and we make up less than 3% of congressional staffers. In state legislatures, Black women account for just 4.5% of all seats, despite being 7.8% of the U.S. population. The journey is tough, the representation scarce, and Black women are often relegated to subservient positions, providing the blueprint for progressive political success. Black women are making strides in politics, but let’s be real: we still have a long way to go. Only about 4% of state legislators in the U.S. are Black women. Yeah, that’s something, but it’s not nearly enough. On a brighter note, we’ve got Black women holding top executive positions in 8 of the 100 most populous cities, which lines up with our 7.8% share of the U.S. population. That’s a win, but we need more (League of Women Voters) (The Washington Informer).
When it comes to cable news, it’s a different story. Black women are often sidelined, facing barriers that keep them from having the influence they deserve. Despite our expertise and the unique perspectives we bring, we’re still not getting the representation we need (League of Women Voters). In the digital political world, Black women are making their mark, but there’s still a lot of ground to cover. The data might be sparse, but it’s clear we’re starting to take on more roles in campaign management and political strategy. The trend is looking up, but it’s just the beginning (The Washington Informer). These stats show the urgent need for more representation and support for Black women in politics and media. It’s high time we see more of us leading the way and getting the recognition we deserve.
I’m grateful for the voices of our trailblazers in political spaces – I know the little we have is due to the work of pioneers who took the brunt of bigotry, sexism, classism, and injustice for us to have these opportunities. That said, I’m ready to move from Martin to Huey. It’s time to call out those who discount what you have to say because you’re a Black woman in politics, often working as the Chief of Operations for political campaigns to succeed. I can’t speak on what convinced this dude to respond to me in this condescending tone. Maybe he just got a mental/physical blowjob and was feeling himself a little too much. With few exceptions, this will be the first time in the Commonwealth of Virginia that local elections will occur on a presidential cycle. That in itself will change the campaign and communications landscape.
Local campaigns must find creative ways to diversify and target niche communities, working in partnership with federal campaigns but also independently if needed. The backbiting and melodramatic climaxes are even more evident in local politics, where a part-time salary can create generational change. These grassroots efforts can have a profound impact, often determining the success of broader initiatives. To ensure our communities align with the values they represent, it’s essential to achieve full voter participation. This involves not only registering voters but also educating them about the importance of each election and the direct impact local officials have on their daily lives. Engaging community leaders and leveraging social media can drive this mission forward, fostering a more inclusive and representative political landscape. Now, I have plenty more to say about this, but alas, we’ve hit a paywall. 😊
At the end of this conversation, said candidate asked me to volunteer for his campaign. HARD PASS, PAL. There’s a way to accept critique with grace – the proverbial “Thanks! I’ll pass this on to my Comms team!” canned response. Will you do it? Eh. Maybe. Maybe not. But at minimum, that person’s opinion of you will be lukewarm. Those “bad taste in your mouth” moments, however, will have people talking about you at length. In a blog. Without mentioning your name.
...and if you need a Comms strategist, hit me up! #shamelessplug