African American women find inspiration in the legacy of the President Joe Biden Administration. Thank you Joe, Thank You Joe.
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: It has been a pleasure to witness the ascent of African American women within President Joe Biden’s administration, marking history with the appointment of Kamala Harris as the first Black female Vice President and the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black female Supreme Court Justice. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris broke new ground as the first Black female presidential candidate nominee from a major political party, the Democratic Party, for the United States presidency on November 4, 2024. However, VP Harris was inaugurated on January 20, 2021, as the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States, signifying a historic moment in American politics and a leap forward in the diversity of the country’s leadership.
President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court, and upon confirmation, she became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. Her nomination and subsequent confirmation realized a pledge President Biden made during his campaign, representing a historic milestone in the annals of the judiciary. These appointments underscore President Biden’s dedication to diversity and inclusion within the upper echelons of the U.S. government.
Just two years ago, the first African American woman was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Remarkably, only five women have served on the court, and there have been just two Black men. The speech given on the White House lawn still echoes in my memory. It was significant that Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also a person of color, introduced her. That day, behind the podium, in front of the press corps, the families of the new Supreme Court Justice, staff, and the world via newsfeed, stood three individuals; two were people of color, with President Biden being the minority. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson declared, “We have made it!” signifying her historic achievement as a Black woman. Her words instilled pride in me, recognizing their profound meaning. She emphasized that her rise to the pinnacle of the American judiciary marked a single generation’s leap from slavery to the Supreme Court.
The recognition of the atrocities of slavery, alongside the celebration of triumph over such tribulations, is deeply stirring. The eloquence that marks this important day invites us to ponder the gaps in our historical account. Since gaining independence in 1965, The Gambia has had only two native Chief Justices: Adoukarim Savage, appointed by the former President Yahya Jammeh, and the incumbent Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, appointed by President Adama Barrow. The presence of several female justices in both the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court is noteworthy, and the inclusion of women in the judiciary is praiseworthy. In this regard, The Gambia has shown remarkable progress in forging paths for our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers to showcase their talents. The impact of representation cannot be overstated, and nothing underscores the case for equality more effectively than tangible examples. A seven-member bench featuring two women serves as a powerful emblem of inspiration.
The forthcoming US election in November offers a momentous chance for key political figures to create history by selecting a woman as their presidential nominee, potentially raising her to the presidency of the most influential nation on Earth if she wins. Such a decisive move could reshape the political terrain of the Gambia and beyond, possibly leading to a checkmate situation. Gender might emerge as a crucial factor that supersedes deep-seated ethnic and regional prejudices. The question remains: what elements would tip the scales toward a female candidate—ethnic congruence or gender representation? It remains to be seen which candidate will dare to make a choice that could lead to the election of America’s first black female President. The significance of this historical juncture is undeniable. Opting for a female nominee could transform the dynamics of the entrenched racist and patriarchal political system, adding a new dimension to the mix.
How would female leaders globally react if a candidate selected a woman as their standard-bearer? This could potentially lead to a significant shift in women’s support for that candidate. The Gambia takes pride in being more progressive than its West African neighbors, having appointed three female vice presidents so far. In the same vein, Uganda has a female Prime Minister, and Tanzania has a female Vice President and the first-ever female President. A major challenge for The Gambia’s political parties is choosing a flag bearer for the imminent elections, with many ethnic and male contenders feeling they have a right to the position. Introducing a qualified female candidate could upset the ethnic/regional balance and challenge the male hegemony.
Watching President Biden’s exuberant air punch as Kamala Harris introduced Ketanji, followed by his acknowledgment of fulfilling his campaign promise, prompted personal contemplation. The line from Janet Jackson’s song, ‘What have you done for me lately?’ struck a chord with me. I am eager to see if either of the two will meet the challenge, though I remain doubtful.
Fatoumatta: President Joe Biden has made notable contributions to the representation of African American women in high political offices. He nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, fulfilling a campaign promise and marking a significant moment in American politics. Kamala Harris also made history as the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States. Her inauguration was a landmark event, signaling a new era in the inclusivity and diversity of American leadership.These achievements are integral to President Biden’s legacy, highlighting the advancement of women, particularly African American women, in American politics and symbolizing a stride towards a government that is more representative of its people.
