"Now, I understand that my message won't be heard by some people. We live in a nation that is deeply divided, and I am a Black woman speaking at the Democratic Convention. But enough of you know me by now. You know that I tell you exactly what I'm feeling. You know I hate politics. But you also know that I care about this nation."

If there is one thing I hope the public takes away from this moment, it's "listen to Black Women." There are too many instances where Black women are ignored in the same spaces that look to them to clean up the messes. An example of this was when 94% of Black women voted for Hillary Clinton on election day 2016, in contrast to the majority of white women. Or in 2012 when it was reported that Black women voted at a higher rate than any racial or gender group, and played a vital role in the reelection of President Obama. It is clear that the past year of political hell in America could have been avoided if the nation had listened to Black women.

On Monday, August 17, 2020, Michelle Obama did what this country has always looked to Black women to do. At the 2020 Democratic National Convention, she provided hope, leadership and a clear perspective. It was the cold hard truth, the voice of wisdom and a wake-up call that America so desperately needs as we head into the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

Brianna Clay

Writing since September 2018 · 1 story contributed