Top 5 Issues Black Women Need to Consider for 2024

Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown, equity strategist and cultural architect

1. Economic Inequity

Economic empowerment remains a critical issue for Black women. Disparities in wages and wealth accumulation, compounded by systemic barriers such as discrimination and limited access to opportunities, must be addressed. Policies promoting equal pay for equal work are crucial, as well as access to capital for small Black businesses. These measures can help level the playing field and create sustainable economic growth. Economic justice is not a luxury—it’s a requirement for a fair and equitable society.

2. Healthcare Access and Equity

Ensuring equitable healthcare is a life-or-death matter. Black women are more likely to experience unique health challenges, from higher maternal mortality rates to increased incidences of chronic diseases such as lupus, cancer, hypertension and diabetes.

These disparities are often exacerbated by systemic racism and socio-economic barriers, which hinder access to quality care. Comprehensive healthcare reform that includes mental health services, reproductive rights, and affordable care is non-negotiable. It is crucial to address these issues holistically, providing preventive care, education, and support to improve overall health outcomes.

3. Criminal Justice Reform

The over-policing and mass incarceration of Black communities disproportionately affect Black women and their families, creating a cycle of trauma and economic hardship that is difficult to break. Advocating for comprehensive criminal justice reform, including ending mandatory minimums and promoting rehabilitative justice, is crucial to addressing these deep-seated issues. It’s about policy changes and shifting societal attitudes towards a more just and equitable system. Black women deserve to live free from the fear of racialized violence and systemic injustice.

4. Education and Student Loan Relief

Education is a pathway to opportunity, but the high cost of higher education and crippling student loan debt hinder progress. Many Black students and their families struggle to afford tuition fees, textbooks, and other essential expenses, often taking on significant debt to achieve their academic goals. Policies aimed at making college affordable and offering student loan forgiveness will have a profound impact, allowing more individuals to pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. An educated population is a powerful one, capable of driving innovation and economic growth

5. Voting Rights and Political Representation

The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy. Voter suppression tactics disproportionately target communities of color, eroding trust in the electoral process and undermining the very principles of equality and justice. Our voices matter, and they deserve to be heard loudly and clearly reflecting the diverse perspectives that strengthen our nation. Our votes matter!

These issues are not just talking points—they are lifelines for Black women across America who face systemic challenges all day long. These matters deeply impact our lives, from healthcare disparities and economic inequality to social justice and representation. The 2024 election is a pivotal moment to demand change, amplify our voices, and ensure an equitable, just, and inclusive future for all.

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