by Lonnell Matthews and Ashford Hughes
“And since we all came from a woman/Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman/I wonder why we take from our women/Do we hate our women?” — Tupac Shakur, ‘Keep Ya Head Up’
It has been 176 years since the Seneca Falls convention and over a century since the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Although women were granted the right to vote in 1920, America has once again denied a woman the opportunity to be the president of the United States. The results of the presidential election reflect America’s complex and evolving views on women and their role in society. As women increasingly rise in politics, business, and activism, they challenge stereotypes and expand the possibilities of leadership. However, reactions to women in power still reveal deep-seated cultural biases and expectations that affect how female candidates are perceived, supported, and treated.
When a woman is on the presidential ballot, her policies are often scrutinized through a gendered lens, with questions about her electability and ‘likability’ overshadowing her qualifications. This scrutiny shows that while America has made strides in promoting gender equality, societal expectations for women (particularly those in leadership) remain double-edged.
Women are the backbone of society, contributing across every sector in ways that sustain and uplift communities. As leaders, professionals, caregivers, and innovators, women bring a unique strength rooted in resilience, empathy, and vision. Research consistently shows that companies with more women in leadership roles are more successful, and societies that prioritize gender equality enjoy stronger economies and healthier populations.
Black women, in particular, are pillars of resilience, strength, and transformation in society. As leaders, activists, mothers, and creators, Black women have been at the forefront of every major social movement in America, from civil rights to Black Lives Matter. Their contributions extend far beyond activism. They are pioneers in fields from science and literature to politics and business, breaking barriers and setting standards of excellence.
Despite facing intersecting challenges of both racial and gender discrimination, Black women continue to be powerful advocates for equity, justice, and community empowerment. Their perspective, shaped by unique lived experiences, fosters inclusive policies, workplace reforms, and community support systems that benefit everyone. Black women embody a fierce determination that has driven countless cultural, political, and economic advancements.
As Black men, it is crucial that we stand firmly beside Black women, honoring their contributions and recognizing the sacrifices they have made for all of us. Toni Morrison reminds us: “You are your best thing,” and we must ensure that Black women are reminded of their intrinsic value, their strength, and the importance of their voices. Black men must step up not only as allies but as champions, amplifying the voices of Black women and all women alike, sharing the load of the fight for justice, and actively dismantling the structures that undermine their progress.
True support means creating spaces where Black women feel seen, heard, and protected. It means celebrating their victories, advocating for their leadership, and being vocal against the discrimination and systemic challenges they face. We must also challenge our own biases and acknowledge how our silence or inaction has contributed to their struggles. By being proactive in our support, we can help build a world where Black women’s leadership is recognized, valued, and celebrated.
Women continue to face systemic challenges that limit their full participation in society. By supporting women and ensuring equal opportunities, we’re not just investing in them but in a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Women are essential to the fabric of society, and empowering them means empowering humanity itself.
The election results cause us to question how far we’ve really come and expose where we still struggle. A decisive win for a female candidate would reflect a shift toward valuing competence over convention, while resistance or backlash may indicate the persistence of outdated, traditional views. Either way, the election serves as a mirror, revealing the work still needed to fully embrace women’s potential to lead without bias. Women’s suffrage didn’t end with the right to vote. It will end when that right to vote helps elect a woman to lead our country.
(Lonnell Matthews, Jr. is Davidson County Juvenile Court Clerk and co-chair of My Brother’s Keeper Nashville. Ashford Hughes, Sr. is MNPS Executive Officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and co-chair of My Brother’s Keeper Nashville.)
