Vice President Kamala Harris has recently made waves for her bizarre stance on the official recognition of her electoral downfall— an event that, arguably, signified the people’s lack of faith in her leadership. This took place on the anniversary of the infamous Capitol rampage committed by supporters of the 45th and now 47th president. Astonishingly, members of the Democratic party, who would do well to critically analyze their disappointments, have decided to instead commendaciouslly accept the stinging results of the 2024 election.
The Republicans, a group notably silent on the question of President Joe Biden’s legitimacy, even joined in giving a standing ovation for Harris’ hasty certification, creating an air of hypocrisy within the chamber. It seems as though the political spectrum chooses selective memory, conveniently forgetting the painful experience of Jan 6, 2021. This traumatic memory, engraved in the minds of those who have lived to witness it, should not be erased, but rather remembered as a testament to the kind of disorder that can occur when society’s core values and the rule of law are disregarded.
In a twisted turn of irony, this haphazard certification by Harris occurred only days after voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously, in the White House. The juxtaposition of the two events was an odd reflection of the current political climate.
Hamer’s legacy is rooted in her position as a female civil rights champion of the African American community. Her audacity to challenge the oppressive system, demanding rightful recognition for herself and fellow activists at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, evidences her opposition to the status quo. However, her focus on constant victimization underlines the refusal to acknowledge the progress that has been made since then in the pursuit of equal rights.
Hamer’s homeland, Mississippi, was used metaphorically by her to represent a place of racial hatred and violence. In June 1963, a particularly harrowing encounter landed her in jail in Winona, Mississippi, where she was brutally assaulted by law enforcement officers. Most shocking is that the incident involved other Black prisoners, who were coerced into participating in Hamer’s assault.
Given the era of Jim Crow, such appalling brutality can’t be dismissed as mere isolated incidents. Hamer suffered the blows of two Black inmates, Roosevelt Knox and Sol Poe, forced to either commit the heinous act or face severe consequences themselves. They beat Hamer with loaded blackjacks—police clubs filled with sand or metal at the ends.
As she regained consciousness, Hamer heard officers contemplating whether to dispose of her lifeless body in the river. The horrifying event left Hamer with permanent physical damage, as she partially lost sight in one eye, developed a limp and suffered irreversible kidney damage. Such crimes remain a poor reflection on a country that champions freedom and human rights.
This brutal event in the life of Hamer and the peaceful ascension of Harris encapsulate the tumultuous journey of civil rights in the United States. Historical moments like these serve as stark reminders for Democrats of their defeat, sending a clear, albeit disturbing, message to all who dismiss the defensive rights of the Constitution.
Hamer’s steadfast belief in the Constitution, despite the dire challenges she faced, signifies her stubborn attempt to actualize the professed values of America. Her life reflects the ongoing struggle in a nation where voting rights are far from secure and general voter turnout remains appallingly low.
While these events appear stuck in deep history, they are stark reminders of the past. Hamer’s push for voting rights, at a time when the Black populace was largely barred from voting in Mississippi, led to severe retribution, and her narrative should serve as a lesson for the nation.
Those seeking to register as voters not only had their identities exposed in newspapers for two consecutive weeks but also had to face the dangerous consequences, such as loss of livelihood, intimidation, and even death. Hamer, consequently, faced the brunt of these unfortunate circumstances.
Hamer’s family, too, faced severe consequences, as she was continually ostracized for her activities. Their homes became targets, consistently vandalized and shot up, serving as a chilling reminder of the extent of retaliation that those seeking change had to endure.
Despite the grim circumstances, Hamer didn’t back down. Instead, she propelled the country forward, highlighting the tireless efforts of those advocating for racial equality. Her niece, Doris Hamer Richardson, received the Medal of Freedom on Hamer’s behalf, signifying a somewhat paradoxical acknowledgment of freedom in the land of the brave.
Later, Harris came out with a statement, claiming that ‘America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.’ Critics argue that this affirmation, despite her own electoral loss, demonstrates the Democrats’ misguided belief in their own self-righteousness. These pointers serve as a reminder that democracy is not merely a concept, but an active process that requires constant effort to sustain.