Black women must have a seat at the table

We need to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.

Democracy is under attack. Black Women are the ones who have the stamina and the courage to step forward when others who say they are progressive or liberal cannot or will not.

It is quite easy to see the enemy that is opposite to our values and our beliefs. It is much harder to take stock of what is known as the progressive or liberal voice. The progressive liberal White voice speaking for those that are historically marginalized is no longer good enough. What matters is representation in every office and every position.

I dream that more African American women will buck the political system. I dream that African American women will refuse to wait their turn, remain silent or tolerate being ignored. I dream that African American women will come forward and run for political office by droves to secure democracy for our communities. When we stand up for our communities, all communities benefit.

African American woman will make real the promises of democracy — now.

LaDonna Sanders-Redmond is the diversity and community engagement manager at Seward Community Co-op and a candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 3.