July 2024

July 3rd

July 15th

July 21st

A judge blocked Biden’s rule that aided in the protection of gender identity. This rule clarified that discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is prohibited, strengthened protections for student survivors of sexual misconduct, and expanded the definition of sex-based harassment to include harassment based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

JD Vance is named Trump’s VP pick. Vance’s views include calls for deregulation in industries like energy and housing, stricter border policies and mass deportations, he is anti-abortion, has opposed legislation on LGBTQ+ rights, questioned the value of childless adults, and opposes gun control measures.

Joe Biden withdraws from the presidential race and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee. Kamala Harris becomes the second woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian person major-party presidential nominee.

Donald Trump participated in an interview at the National Association for Black Journalists in Chicago, where Trump was interviewed by three Black journalists. Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity, claiming she misrepresented her heritage as a Black woman. He went on to claim that undocumented immigrants are taking “Black jobs”. This comment feeds into the stereotype of Black Americans holding low-paid, low-security, physically demanding service roles during a time when the Vice President of the United States was a Black woman.

July 31st

The Impact ..

PROTECTION OF GENDER IDENTITY

The removal of protections of gender identity adds another layer to the complex issues Black Americans and American Indians face, as those who inaddition, identify as Transgender are now more vulnerable to facing discrimination in education and healthcare. With barriers to access for healthcare and education being rampant for these communities, removing these protections heightens fear, increases the chances of medical abuse, and can lead to increased suicide rates.

Indigenous youth made up 37% of trans/non-binary youth who committed suicide in 2023.

The Dangers of JD Vance

"Let's give votes to all children in this country, but let's give control over those votes to the parents of those children ... If you don't have as much of an investment in the future of this country, maybe you shouldn't get nearly the same voice."

Vance's remarks not only contest the right for all to have an equal vote, but punish those who do not have children, with some of those being unable to have children for reasons beyond choice.

KAMALA HARRIS

Having a Black, South Asian woman on the ballot as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States is a historic win, especially for women and people of color. This paved the way for other women to pursue leadership positions, but also revealed the lack of trust in Black women and the belief that they are not strong enough for leadership of the country.

Voters criticized Harris's competence and qualifications, saying they were unsure of her policies and readiness for office. Harris worked her way up from Deputy District Attorney of Alameda County to Attorney General of California. She represented California as U.S. Senator from 2017 to 2021, and was elected Vice President of the United States in 2020, where she served alongside President Joe Biden. Her opponent, Donald Trump, who ultimately won the race, is the only American president to have had no political or military service prior to his presidency.

Even though Harris had indisputable qualifications, she was questioned due to her identity. This exposed just how deeply rooted the stereotypes are against Black women, and amplified how much harder Black women must work to meet the expectations of the public.