Presidential Loss Leaves Black Women Stunned, But Californians Pledge Resolve

By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff WriterBlack women across the country are expressing feelings of disbelief, devastation and disenfranchisement after the results of the Nov. 5 election saw former President Donald Trump emerge victorious.Trump’s success meant a major loss for Vice President Kamala Harris and the scores of Black women who wanted to see her become the first woman and first Black woman president. California Black women were hit particularly hard as they worked tirelessly in support of Harris. Before serving with President Joe Biden, the Oakland native served in the U.S. Senate from 2017-2021 and as California’s attorney general from 2011-2017. Before that she was San Francisco’s district attorney from 2004-2011.The California Black Women’s Collective, a statewide group that represents a wide range of industries and activism, hosted several online call-to-action type meetings during Harris’ presidential campaign. Members also took to the virtual space on Veterans Day, leading a session on election results and ways forward.Kellie Todd Griffin, The President of The California Black Women’s Collective. Courtesy PhotoThe California Black Women’s Collective started around 2019 as Keep the Seat, which pushed for Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint a Black woman to the Senate seat Harris vacated when she...