by Basil Roman
In 1968, Shirley Chisholm broke barriers and shattered expectations when she became the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress. Just over fifty years later, Kamala Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant, became the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. While the significance of these two pioneering women extends beyond their Caribbean heritage, it is this shared background that offers a powerful lens to examine their influence on American politics and their call to action for Caribbean Americans in the United States.
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Chisholm and Harris not only made history with their respective achievements but also symbolized the intersection of African-American and Caribbean-American identities. This is crucial, especially today, as the Caribbean-American community’s engagement in the democratic process becomes more essential than ever. With their votes, Caribbean Americans can shape policies that affect not only their futures in the U.S. but also the prospects of their families and homes in the Caribbean.
The Legacy of Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was unapologetically herself: “Unbought and Unbossed,” as her campaign slogan famously declared. She was born in Brooklyn to Barbadian and Guyanese parents, and her Caribbean upbringing influenced her drive for justice, equality, and representation. Chisholm’s Caribbean roots were not incidental to her success; they were integral. Growing up in a West Indian household where education, self-reliance, and community upliftment were emphasized, Chisholm was instilled with the values of hard work and perseverance that guided her political career.
Her accomplishments were many, from advocating for low-income and marginalized communities to breaking the mold of a male-dominated Congress. However, it was her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 that solidified her legacy as a trailblazer for women and minorities. Chisholm knew the odds were against her, but her candidacy was more than a personal ambition—it was a statement about representation, equality, and the untapped potential of women of color in leadership roles.
Though she did not win the nomination, her campaign inspired future generations of politicians, including Kamala Harris, whose historic ascent to the vice presidency echoes Chisholm’s audacity to challenge the status quo.
Kamala Harris: Building on Chisholm’s Legacy
Kamala Harris’s rise to the vice presidency can be seen as a continuation of Chisholm’s legacy. Harris’s Jamaican heritage—through her father—ties her directly to the Caribbean diaspora. As Vice President, Harris has repeatedly acknowledged the groundbreaking work of Shirley Chisholm, even referencing her during her victory speech in November 2020.
But Harris’s journey also reflects the evolution of Caribbean-American political power in the U.S. Today, Caribbean-Americans, particularly those of African descent, are a growing demographic that cannot be ignored. Harris’s election was not just a win for the African-American and South Asian communities but also a victory for Caribbean Americans, who saw one of their own rise to the second-highest office in the land. Her story is a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of having diverse voices in leadership.
Both Harris and Chisholm faced considerable challenges. As women of color in predominantly white male political spheres, they endured racism and sexism. Yet, they persisted, creating paths for others. Their achievements should not only be celebrated but also serve as motivation for Caribbean Americans to become more politically active.
The Caribbean-American Vote: A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Caribbean-Americans have long contributed to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the United States. From healthcare workers to educators, and entrepreneurs to civil rights activists, the community’s influence is undeniable. However, political engagement has not always mirrored this level of contribution. For many Caribbean-Americans, particularly first-generation immigrants, political involvement in the U.S. can feel secondary to the politics of their home countries. But the time has come for a shift in this mindset.
Caribbean-Americans have a unique dual responsibility: they are tied to the well-being of both their adopted home in the U.S. and their families in the Caribbean. Voting in U.S. elections is not just a civic duty; it is a powerful tool that can affect the policies that impact their lives in both places. The U.S. plays a significant role in the Caribbean, through immigration laws, trade agreements, and foreign aid. The decisions made in Washington reverberate across the Caribbean, influencing everything from economic opportunities to climate change responses.
When Caribbean Americans vote, they are not only shaping their futures here but also the future of their homelands. Take immigration, for example. Policies that create pathways to citizenship or temporary protected status for Caribbean immigrants directly affect families separated by borders. Likewise, the U.S. government’s stance on climate change—an existential threat to many Caribbean nations—can be influenced by elected officials who understand and prioritize these issues.
Building a Political Legacy
Shirley Chisholm and Kamala Harris have provided a roadmap for Caribbean-Americans to follow. Their successes remind us that political representation matters, that having leaders who understand your heritage and struggles can lead to meaningful change. However, their legacy is only as strong as the community that continues to build upon it.
For Caribbean-Americans, the stakes in every election are high. Voting is not just about individual candidates; it is about advancing policies that support the community’s growth and prosperity. It is about electing leaders who will advocate for equitable healthcare, economic opportunities, and fair immigration policies. It is also about sending a message to Washington that the Caribbean-American vote is one to be reckoned with.
Chisholm and Harris represent the promise of what Caribbean-Americans can achieve when they step into the political arena. But the work does not stop with them. As we look ahead to future elections, the community must mobilize, vote, and ensure that their voices are heard. The Caribbean-American vote matters—not just for those living in the U.S. but also for those whose lives are intertwined with the islands they left behind.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Caribbean-American community, though diverse, is united by a shared history of resilience and a commitment to progress. Shirley Chisholm and Kamala Harris are embodiments of this spirit. They have shown that Caribbean Americans can not only participate in U.S. politics but can also lead and shape the nation’s future.
Now, it is up to the community to follow their lead. The path paved by these remarkable women is one of empowerment and responsibility. Caribbean Americans must harness their collective power at the ballot box to influence the policies that affect both their lives in America and their families across the Caribbean. The time to vote is now, and the impact of that vote will echo for generations to come.
