Jotaka Eaddy, the founder of the viral “Win With Black Women” livestream that garnered 90,000 participants nationwide, shared her inspiration for starting the movement when Vice President Kamala Harris announced her presidential run in July. Eaddy recalled her childhood, where she always felt compelled to fight for those who were mistreated. This drive was further fueled by the negative comments directed at Black women who were considered as potential vice presidential candidates during President Biden’s 2020 campaign.
The disparaging remarks aimed at these women were not about their policies or agendas but instead focused on sexist and racist tropes, labelling them as “too ambitious.” Eaddy was particularly disturbed by this lack of substantive critique and decided to take action. With the encouragement of her mentor, former White House political director Minyon Moore, Eaddy launched “Win With Black Women” in 2020 as a virtual network to support and advance the policy agenda of Black women.
The group met weekly via Zoom, especially during the pandemic, and quickly gained momentum. By July, “Win With Black Women” had raised over $2.6 million for the Harris campaign. When President Biden endorsed Harris as his successor and decided not to run for re-election, the group’s routine call went viral, attracting around 90,000 Black women and allies. The gathering served as a pivotal moment for the community to strategize and embrace the historic opportunity presented by Harris’s candidacy.
During the call, Eaddy urged participants to remember the significance of the moment and the feelings it evoked. Even after the meeting concluded at 1 a.m., 20,000 women stayed behind, creating a sense of unity and support that Eaddy likened to a warm embrace. The success of “Win With Black Women” inspired similar virtual groups and raised millions of dollars for their shared cause. The movement culminated in a “Unite for America” livestream in September featuring Oprah Winfrey and Harris, where the Vice President expressed gratitude to Eaddy for her leadership.
The impact of “Win With Black Women” was evident in polling data, which showed that over 90% of Black women voters were backing Harris in the 2024 presidential election. This overwhelming support mirrored the pivotal role Black women played in securing President Biden’s victory in 2020, particularly in states like Georgia where 92% of Black women supported him, leading to a Democratic win after nearly three decades.
Historian and professor Martha S. Jones highlighted the long history of Black women’s organizing efforts in American politics. Jones emphasized that Black women have always pushed for a seat at the table, advocating for equality and representation. She underscored the importance of voter turnout as the cornerstone of democracy, a sentiment echoed by Eaddy, who sees “Win With Black Women” as setting a new standard for voter outreach with lasting implications for future generations.
The energy and unity surrounding the movement are a testament to the resilience and determination of Black women in American politics. Eaddy’s vision for “Win With Black Women” extends beyond the current election cycle, aiming to leave a lasting impact on the political landscape for years to come. As Black women continue to mobilize and advocate for change, their voices and contributions are shaping the future of democracy in the United States.
