How Black Women in Entertainment Are Mobilizing for Kamala Harris During the DNC and Beyond

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How Black Women in Entertainment Are Mobilizing for Kamala Harris During the DNC and Beyond

As I read through this article, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the passion and determination of these incredible women who are using their platforms to mobilize Black voters for Kamala Harris. Their commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard in this election is truly heartening.

Among the 44,000 participants in the record-breaking July 21 Zoom call that raised over $1.5 million for Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid as the Democratic presidential nominee was writer and producer Janine Sherman Barrois. A longtime member of the organization founded by Jotaka Eaddy in August 2020, the showrunner of Big Cigar has been following Harris’ career since attending a fundraiser for her successful election as California attorney general in 2010. Today, she emphasizes that supporting Harris during this critical phase of her political journey is more crucial than ever before.

“Barrois explains to The Hollywood Reporter that fictional post-apocalyptic scenarios where people attempt to overthrow the government are what we’re currently experiencing. This isn’t subtle; it’s a matter of choosing between going back to the past or believing in America’s future and hope. We categorically reject the idea of going back,”

The support for that sentiment is anticipated to strengthen during the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) taking place in Chicago from August 19-22. Notably, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Tony Goldwyn, and Ana Navarro have been named as the nightly hosts for this event.

At the McCormick Center during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the initiative “Win With Black Women” will collaborate with other Black woman-led organizations to establish a Sisterhood Lounge. The event will feature discussions with notable Black women in government, including Georgia State Senator Tonya Anderson, Illinois State Representative Sonya Harper, and St. Louis Mayor Tishuara Jones. Preceding the DNC, Danielle Brooks, Andra Day, Pinky Cole (the owner of Slutty Vegan), and others shared their thoughts about this significant moment during a recent Win With Black Women Zoom call.

“Frequently, we tend to perceive individuals in the entertainment field as being in a class of their own – undeniably gifted, yet also voters like any other American,” explains Eaddy. “They have households and lives, and they bring these to the voting booth. It’s crucial to remember that they are just as much a part of this nation as we are, and it’s inspiring to witness them openly expressing their democratic participation.”

Last month, Evan Seymour Bain joined the Win With Black Women kickoff call, which sparked a flurry of excitement. Following this energizing experience, Seymour Bain reached out to friends and coworkers who were also on the call. Two days later, she established a WhatsApp group aimed at sharing information and resources within the entertainment industry, specifically for women. In under three weeks, the Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala (BWIE4Kamala) chat group has expanded from its initial 10 members to over 500 influential women, including actresses, executives, journalists, content creators, and media figures. This growing community is now actively participating in voter letter-writing campaigns, volunteer work, Political Action Committee donations, fundraising events, social media initiatives, and even DNC watch parties. Evan Seymour Bain, who previously worked as a publicist at Apple TV+, has decided to devote herself entirely to this cause.

“Seymour Bain openly expressed his desire to establish means that connect with everyone, ranging from grassroots activities to substantial donations exceeding $50,000. This collective effort aims to support Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States, while keeping Donald Trump away from the White House,” he said, repeating a common sentiment. “We’re moving forward and not looking back.”

Approaching the Democratic National Convention, Seymour Bain has collaborated with Ashley Jackson, who oversees Gen-Z voter campaigns for BWIE4Kamala and is a daughter of renowned civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson. Together, they are preparing a podcast to be broadcast live from the convention. Additionally, on this upcoming Wednesday, they will launch the “Bestie Ballot Challenge,” which coincides with Ashley’s scheduled appearance on the White Women: Answer The Call Zoom meeting. This event is part of Win With Black Women, an initiative that attracted over 160,000 participants during its kickoff call on July 25, raising more than $8.5 million for the Harris campaign.

“Eaddy expresses politically that as Black women, it’s inspiring for us to see this movement we are part of. We’re glad to see ‘White Women: Answer The Call’. We’re also pleased to see our Latino peers, white male counterparts, Southeast Asian siblings, and definitely our Black men joining in too,” says Eaddy.

“Many people are discussing our recent call, which was released on Sunday. Interestingly, the group ‘Win With Black Men’ released a statement the day after. They stand with us, and I believe there is strength in the solidarity and teamwork between Black men and women that this demonstrates. People often try to portray us as divided, but I think our unity has never been stronger than it is now.”

Actress Jennifer Lewis considers it crucial to encourage Generation Z and millennial voting, as she has participated in discussions on the “Win With Black Women” calls and attended “#CaregiversForHarris” Zoom meetings focusing on this topic.

“Lewis shares a special bond with Generation Z and Millennials, as they’ve known her from her roles as the auntie and mother in many Black movies and TV shows, including ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, ‘A Different World’, and currently as the grandmother on ‘Black-ish’. Since they’ve grown up watching her, there’s a familiarity and trust. They don’t just recognize her, but they sense that she genuinely cares.”

As I reflect on my life journey, I feel deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. From surviving a miraculous 10-foot fall from a balcony while traveling in Africa in 2022 to advocating for social justice and empowering communities, my story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to giving back.

Following the convention, I’m eagerly preparing to dive back into grassroots work, just as Eaddy mentioned. “Post-Chicago,” as it were, we’re going to focus on equipping people with the necessary tools to register to vote themselves and help others in their community do the same. We’re even exploring collaborations with women in entertainment, encouraging them to use their platforms for digital content or physical appearances to amplify our collective call to action. This is all about ensuring everyone understands the significance of casting their vote in this election. And let’s not forget, our Sunday calls will continue to be a vital part of our journey.

It’s probable that Debra Martin Chase, a film and television producer who backed Harris early on and co-hosted a fundraiser for her during her initial presidential run in 2019, will be involved. At present, she is organizing a gathering of donors to support the democratic nominee this time around.

“Martin Chase points out that this competition will likely come down to the wire,” he notes. “The journey ahead until November will be a marathon, and we must remain vigilant at all times since we’re in for a tough battle right up until the very end.”

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2024-08-19 19:55