Let’s cut to the chase. The Washington Informer proudly endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the next president and vice president of the United States of America.
It’s been years since we announced our candidate endorsement in a national or local election. Like others, we viewed our opinion as irrelevant and instead urged voters to make their own decisions based on the issues that matter most to them.
Even more importantly, as we watched voter participation decline since the first election of President Barack Obama, for whom we last endorsed, we focused more on voter registration and GOTV than on the candidates themselves.
As a Black-owned newspaper that fully appreciates the enormous struggle for voting rights for Black Americans and women, it is our duty to help get souls to the polls every election day and to educate and inform voters before they get there.
This time, however, history cannot and will not show us standing on the sidelines while Kamala Harris, the first Black woman, the first Asian woman, the first HBCU graduate, and essentially the highest-ranking woman in U.S. history, seeks the highest seat in the land, and some may argue the world.
Do we support her because she is a woman? No question! As a women-led media organization, we value women’s leadership roles locally, nationally, and internationally and the incomparable benefits their leadership provides to everyone they serve.
Do we support her because she’s Black? Undoubtedly! Over our 60-year history, we have had the pleasure and even joy of endorsing Black candidates, particularly here in the nation’s capital, unlike most voters across this country. And, while race should not be a factor, representation is. We know that every Black face may not be for Black people, but thanks to those who fought to kick down the doors of segregation, race is no longer a disqualifier.
Do we support her because of her education and experience? HU! You Know! Of course, because historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a proud legacy of educating world leaders who went on to become presidents of countries, companies, and an array of other institutions. We know that Howard University prepared Kamala Harris for the leadership roles she has played and the one she is about to accept. She is not only an example of the quality of education HBCUs offer, but she is also an inspiration to those who choose to attend an HBCU when they know that she will help keep the doors of opportunity open to them.
Do we support her because of her position on the issues? We have no choice! Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra rests on usurping a woman’s reproductive rights and choice when it comes to her healthcare.
A parent’s choice to ensure schools provide the full and inclusive story of U.S. history is being taken away due to Donald Trump’s influence.
We followed the healthcare crisis that former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama finally addressed through the Affordable Care Act, which Trump wants to end with no plan for a replacement.
We know why DEI policies are necessary, and now we see companies retrenching because of Donald Trump.
We report but also agonize over the continuous loss of Black land and the inability of Black families to own and protect their homes and wonder what Trump and his rich friends will do to address real affordability. Will they do as Kamala has promised to end price gouging in rents, gas, food, and the cost of prescription drugs?
Yes, we recognize the challenges at the border, but we refuse to accept Trump’s notion that the U.S. is “like a garbage can for the world” because America’s long-held policy inscribed on the Statue of Liberty tells the world that immigrants are welcome here, including those from African countries that Trump continues to insult.
Project 2025 informs us of what Donald Trump has in store for us, which is unacceptable and drives us more decidedly to choose Vice President Harris and her running mate, Gov. Walz.
In the Maryland election, we also endorse Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate, and feel her leadership will better reflect the values of Black Marylanders and the American people as a whole.
Her leadership of America’s preeminent Black suburban county amid the COVID-19 pandemic was effective and she has brought both new businesses and the FBI to operate in Prince George’s during economic recovery.
In addition, Alsobrooks has been a staunch supporter of Harris as both vice president and in her quest to occupy the Oval Office. Further, the Democratic presidential nominee was an early endorser of Alsobrooks’ pursuit for the Senate seat.
Harris visiting the county on multiple occasions and Alsobrooks’ support of the vice president’s efforts thus far, displays a much-needed commitment to collaboration in order to strengthen communities and offer solid solutions.
Harris as president and Alsobrooks as senator will not only serve as an inspiration, but play a pivotal role in considering the future of the Supreme Court, reproductive rights and freedoms and protecting democracy.
Vote now. There’s too much at stake to leave it up to others to choose for you.