'Armor bearers:' Black women in Congress mobilize to boost Harris
Over a dozen Black female lawmakers who spoke with The Washington Post, several of whom have heard from Harris directly since Bidens decision to exit the race, described a fierce and personal commitment to an intense three-month sprint to organize and mobilize voters on behalf of Harriss campaign. They are in both a celebratory and get-down-to-business mood, sporting pink and green the colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harriss college sorority in the Capitol halls; privately pressing holdout colleagues to endorse Harris, and preparing to hit the trail and speak out against the racist and sexist attacks they, too, have been the target of.
Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) referred to Black women in Congress as Harriss armor bearers. And Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) described her congressional sorority as a shield of protection, explaining she considered herself a part of Harriss truth squad against challenges to the vice presidents credentials and experience.
As a Black woman, especially, I know what shes going to have to deal with, said Lee. And were communicating that to everyone.
Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), the former president of Emilys List, said this isnt Harriss first rodeo and underscored the sexist and racist treatment Black women encounter on a daily basis. But she described the role of Harriss cohort of supporters at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue as a regenerative force, ready to deflect the anticipated mudslinging and propel her forward.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/26/black-lawmakers-women-kamala-harris-congress-cbc/