America has always prided itself on being the land of opportunity and equality, a place where dreams can be realized no matter one’s background. Yet, the idea of a Black woman as President still feels like uncharted territory for many citizens across the nation. This hesitation reflects deeper, more systemic issues within our society—racism, sexism, and, specifically, misogynoir.

Misogynoir is a particular type of racism reserved for Black women; it represents a unique form of discrimination that arises from the combined effects of racial prejudice and gender bias. This complex web of stereotypes, cultural dismissals, and structural inequalities has deep roots in our historical context; from the times of enslavement and colonialism to the present day, Black women have been marginalized, dehumanized, and made invisible.

Misogynoir manifests in contemporary society in a variety of forms. For instance, Black women are hypersexualized in media, reducing them to mere objects and stripping away their complexity and humanity. Black mothers are demonized as negligent or unfit, perpetuating stereotypes that are harmful to mother and child. In healthcare settings, Black women’s pain and suffering are disregarded, leading to inadequate treatment and even fatal consequences. This systemic neglect reflects a broader societal failure to recognize and validate the experiences of Black women.

Understanding misogynoir is crucial to grasping the political dynamics at play today. These dynamics can make it difficult for many to acknowledge that Kamala Harris, a woman of color who has broken barriers, is capable of leading our nation. But this doubt isn’t based on her leadership capabilities or qualifications, which are undeniably robust, but rather on the ingrained biases and preconceived notions that prevent us from viewing Black women as multifaceted and capable leaders in their own right.

Our nation’s history is steeped in patriarchy and racial discrimination, with only one exception: the occupants of the Oval Office have been white men. For some individuals, electing a Black woman may seem like venturing into the unknown, eliciting feelings of discomfort and uncertainty. But it is only by confronting these biases and expanding our understanding of leadership that we can begin to realize the ideals of opportunity and equality that America claims to uphold.

In recent years, America has become starkly divided along party lines. Too often, loyalty to a political party overshadows the values and aspirations that are best for the country. Electing a Black woman as President is not just a step forward in representation but also a move towards leadership that understands and reflects the diverse experiences of all Americans.

During Tuesday’s debate, Kamala Harris delivered a series of pointed and impactful rebuttals that demonstrated her excellence and assertiveness. Here are five specific examples where she definitively held her ground and showcased her prowess:

• Healthcare Policy: Kamala Harris took the healthcare issue to Trump. She pointed out how his administration kept trying to tear down the Affordable Care Act without any real alternative. Millions of Americans rely on those protections for pre-existing conditions, and Trump’s moves could leave a lot of folks in a tough spot. Harris broke down his track record, highlighting specific failures in his policies that hurt the American people, and she had him cornered without a solid defense.
• COVID-19 Response: Harris didn’t hold back on the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She brought up the shocking death toll and how they had downplayed the virus’s seriousness. By detailing how things could have been handled better, she demonstrated her expertise in crisis management and made Trump’s incompetence glaringly obvious.
• Racial Injustice: When it came to racial injustice, Harris was direct with Trump about his repeated failure to condemn white supremacists and how he’s made racial tensions worse. She pointed to specific moments, like his reactions to the Charlottesville rally and the George Floyd protests, to show his insensitivity. The contrast between her passion and knowledge on the topic and Trump’s defensive responses highlighted her commitment to true equality.
• Climate Change: Harris didn’t stop criticizing Trump’s environmental policies, emphasizing how his rollbacks on protections could have disastrous long-term effects. She brought scientific findings on climate change and stressed the need to switch to renewable energy, for the sake of future generations. Her mix of hard facts and urgency left Trump struggling to keep up, showing just how unprepared he was to tackle such a crucial issue.
• Economic Inequality: Harris also tackled the Trump administration’s tax cuts for the wealthy, pointing out that these policies help the rich while leaving middle- and lower-income Americans in the lurch. She shared some eye-opening stats and examples illustrating how these tax cuts widen the economic gap. This was a perfect setup for her vision of a fairer economic system that boosts healthcare, education, and social services. Her grasp on economic policy and ability to communicate its effects were a stark contrast to Trump’s simplistic and self-serving rhetoric.

Why do we celebrate mediocracy in our leaders when we have highly qualified and capable individuals like Kamala Harris? As a Black woman, she has faced countless obstacles and barriers on her path to success, yet she persevered and excelled. Her resilience, intelligence, and determination are qualities that we should demand of all our leaders.

Alongside her decisive victory over Trump on Tuesday, Harris outlined at least five policy initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of the American public.

• Healthcare Reform: Harris passionately advocated for a comprehensive healthcare reform, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans. Harris proposed expanding Medicare and increasing funding for mental health services, highlighting the importance of addressing physical and mental health needs. Her straightforward, detailed plan demonstrated her deep understanding and commitment to resolving the healthcare crisis plaguing millions of American families.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Harris laid out a detailed policy agenda to overhaul the criminal justice system. She called for an end to mandatory minimum sentences and the decriminalization of marijuana, arguing that these steps can combat systemic racism and reduce mass incarceration. Harris also advocated for increased funding for public defenders and for more robust police oversight mechanisms. Her proposals reflected a nuanced understanding of the complexities within the criminal justice system and her commitment to fairness and reform.
• Education and Student Debt Relief: Harris underscored the urgent need to reform the American education system, focusing on reducing student debt and increasing funding for public schools. She proposed a substantial investment in early childhood education and advocated for tuition-free college for families earning under $125,000 annually. Harris also called for the cancellation of student loan debt for graduates working in public service. Her detailed and empathetic approach to education reform and her dedication to creating opportunities for future generations resonated with many.
• Infrastructure and Job Creation: Harris outlined an ambitious plan to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure, which she argued would simultaneously create millions of jobs, proposing significant investments in public transportation, renewable energy, and affordable housing. With a commitment to sustainable development and job creation, Harris emphasized the importance of modernizing infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Americans. 
• Immigration Reform: Harris passionately advocated for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes human dignity and fairness. She criticized the Trump administration’s harsh policies, including family separations at the border, and laid out a plan to provide a clear pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Harris stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Dreamers and ensuring humane treatment for asylum seekers. Her detailed policy proposals underscored her dedication to creating an immigration system that upholds American values while addressing practical realities.

In my work as an equity strategist and cultural architect, I have helped companies fully embrace the Black women they employ, encouraging them to support and promote Black women into leadership positions. These companies, and the people within them, often struggle to work through their own ingrained biases, but when they are successful, they invariably create a more dynamic, innovative, and thriving business. A diverse leadership results in a more successful business and a more fulfilled and happy workforce. The same could be true for America.

It’s time to trust a Black woman as President. We must recognize and celebrate Black women’s exceptional qualities in leadership roles. If you find yourself questioning Kamala Harris’s capabilities, ask yourself whether your perceptions are clouded by racism, sexism, or both. The hesitation isn’t about her readiness; it’s about confronting and overcoming deep-rooted biases that are unfair and untrue. 

The fact is, it’s time for a change. The future of America depends on it.