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Black Women Are Literally Saving Us at the Polls
When I voted in Chicago, every single person checking us in and passing out ballots at my early voting location was a Black woman. In fact, for as long as I can remember, my polling stations have been full of retired Black women working the polls, trying to help preserve what little democracy we have left.
My mother used to be a poll worker, and all her friends and sorority sisters would do it, too. I grew up traveling to the polls, watching these women check addresses and pass out pins and “I Voted” stickers and lollipops. I recognize that I live in a metropolis with a significant Black population, so this experience is quite normal to me. In other areas, I’m certain all the poll workers are white. Or Latino. Or male. But right now, Election 2020 is down to votes, and some of those key areas are largely urban areas where people of color are congregated. Earlier this week, I saw a video of the sistas in Detroit trying to do their duty while other folks — both in-person and online — disrespected their abilities to do their job.
