Cincinnati Councilwoman Meeka Owens Reflects on Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris: A Hopeful Future for America
In a heartfelt statement following President Joe Biden’s decision to step back from the 2024 presidential race, Cincinnati Councilwoman Meeka Owens expressed her optimism for the future of the nation under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris. Owens, who has recently made her mark in local politics, believes that Harris is poised to lead a new generation of leaders, particularly as a Black woman carrying the weight of history and expectation on her shoulders.
Owens, who credits Harris’s courageous decision to run for president in 2019 as a source of inspiration for her own political journey, emphasized the importance of representation and the legacy of trailblazing leaders like Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Lee. “The courage it took for Harris to make that decision is what inspired me to step up and serve my community,” she said, reflecting on the challenges faced by women of color in politics.
The statistics are stark: data from OpenSecrets reveals that white men continue to dominate fundraising in political campaigns. Yet, Owens found that her own experience defied these trends. “There were more people who trusted that the good work I wanted to accomplish would get done,” she noted, highlighting the support she received from diverse communities that recognized her commitment to public service.
Cincinnati has a rich history of electing and empowering Black women, from the pioneering Marian Spencer to the current City Council, where Owens and fellow Councilwoman Jan-Michele Kearney emerged as the top vote-getters in the last election. “At every turn, we have proven that we can do the tough work of looking past our differences and working to build a brighter future for all of us,” Owens stated, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her by the community.
Owens also underscored the vital role Black women have played throughout American history, from the abolitionist movement to the civil rights era and beyond. “History has shown us that Black women are the moral center of our country,” she asserted, noting that they represent a crucial voting bloc within the Democratic Party. “That’s not by accident.”
The councilwoman’s message is clear: when Black women are called to serve, they rise to the occasion, embodying the spirit of community and resilience. “We show up when we are being called to something bigger than ourselves,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of collective upliftment.
As the nation looks ahead, Owens believes that the American people must extend their trust to Vice President Harris as she steps into a more prominent role. “What she needs now is the same thing other Black women need: for the American people to trust that she can handle this profound sharing of power,” Owens remarked, confident that Harris is more than capable of delivering on the promise of leadership.
In closing, Owens expressed her unwavering belief that the future is bright. “No matter what, the road ahead will not be easy,” she acknowledged, but with leaders like Harris at the helm, she is convinced that America will emerge stronger and more united. “As a nation, I am convinced we will be better for it.”
As Cincinnati and the nation watch this pivotal moment in history unfold, Owens’s words resonate with hope and determination, reminding us all of the power of representation and the importance of trusting those who have long been at the forefront of change.
