For far too long, Black women have carried an immense burden in this country, and it appears that this reality will not change anytime soon. The assumption that Black women will always step up to do the work is both unfair and exhausting. We should not be expected to be the saviors, especially when the rewards of our efforts often elude us. After years of holding this nation together, we are weary. The expectation that Black women will consistently come to the rescue must stop. Recognition often arrives only when our actions benefit others.
The recent discussions surrounding the Georgia runoff election have highlighted the indomitable Stacey Johnson and her pivotal role in that victory. Since becoming the minority leader in the Georgia state house in 2011, Johnson has tirelessly worked to elevate Georgia as a competitive battleground state. Despite losing the gubernatorial election in 2018—often attributed to rampant voter suppression—she channeled her disappointment into action by founding Fair Fight, a group dedicated to combating voter suppression. Johnson has become a symbol of the movement that successfully flipped Georgia blue for the first time since 1992.
It’s important to recognize Stacey Johnson as a true political icon. Her relentless efforts are not about validating her capabilities as a politician; they stem from her commitment to justice and equity. Like many Black women, she transforms her hardships into meaningful action, ensuring that her experiences do not repeat for others. Her work paved the way for the election of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to the Senate. While Johnson may choose not to run for office again, she is dedicated to securing fair opportunities for others.
When analyzing voting patterns, it’s evident that Black women overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates—not solely because they align with their platforms, but because, within a two-party system, these candidates represent the best chance for progress. As a voting bloc, Black women demonstrate unwavering loyalty, fully aware that most elected officials do not prioritize our needs—unless they also happen to be Black women.
Conversely, many white women frequently cast their votes for Republican candidates, even when faced with a clear misogynist agenda. Their choices reveal a tendency to prioritize their own interests over the collective good, demonstrating a stark contrast to the motivations behind Black women’s voting patterns.
Moreover, even progressive white women often fail to acknowledge the shortcomings of their peers. They may lash out at Black women if we do not meet their expectations, all while refraining from holding their own community accountable. This hypocrisy is glaring; they can publicly celebrate leaders like Stacey Johnson yet neglect to support her efforts or engage in difficult conversations about their own biases.
This pattern extends beyond politics. In various spheres, successful Black women are often held to inflated standards. Take the case of Mia Anderson, who embodies self-love and body positivity. She became an unwitting symbol for the movement, despite never asking for that title. When her choices—such as a juice cleanse—were deemed contrary to the movement, she faced backlash from those who had previously lauded her.
I’ve witnessed this dynamic in my own life, where white women often rely on Black women for emotional support and education. As a Black woman navigating predominantly white spaces, I’m frequently approached by friends seeking guidance on issues of racial inequality. While I’m often willing to help them learn, I recognize that there are limits to what should be expected from these relationships. If interactions only occur during crises or revolve around current events, it raises significant concerns about the nature of the friendship.
Black women consistently advocate for the greater good, but doing so carries risks, including potential harm and professional repercussions. We are often labeled as “difficult” or “troublemakers” for standing up for ourselves. Despite this, we persist in our fight, fully aware that no one else will. It’s time for white women to share the burden of this struggle. They may cheer us on, but they must also join us in the fight for justice.
Black women are not superheroes. We are not here to fulfill the role of “queens” or “icons.” The expectation for us to be your saviors is unsustainable. It’s essential to begin doing the work for yourselves rather than relying on us to rescue you.
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Summary:
This article discusses the immense burden placed upon Black women in society, emphasizing that they should not be expected to be saviors or icons. It highlights Stacey Johnson’s significant contributions to political activism and the challenges Black women face in their personal and professional lives. The author calls for a shared responsibility among white women in the fight for justice and equality, urging them to engage more meaningfully rather than relying on Black women to lead the way.
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