“Our Own Backbone” group mobilizing Black female voters to ask more from Democrats

(CBS DETROIT) Some voters, particularly Black women, are reevaluating their future loyalty to their political party in light of the general election results of 2024.

The group “Our Own Backbone” is hosting an event that highlights how Black women feel the Democratic Party is undervaluing them.

In reference to the percentage of Black women who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the most recent election, they are referring to themselves as the “92%.” If they don’t have a greater say in future political processes, the organization says it’s prepared to take their votes elsewhere.

“We are aware of our strength. “We know you will lose every election without us,” Tashawna Gill, the founder of “Our Own Backbone,” warned.

Democrats, according to her, must earn back Black women’s votes; they can no longer simply count on them.

“We felt strained, but we also feel awful about our party since they didn’t pay attention. “They ignored the Black woman’s cries,” she claimed.

She claims it was made clear when she presented her plan to the Michigan Democratic Party regarding winning over Black men to the party.

“They said, ‘That’s not the focus,’ literally. We concentrate on Black women who cast ballots. We concentrate on those who cast ballots. Gill remarked, “We don’t have time for that.”

As said in a statement, “Representation and participation are core values of our party here in Michigan, and we look forward to a smooth selection process that puts us in the best position to defeat Republicans and fight for all Michiganders.”

Considering that Democrats have lost a formidable candidate for the 2026 Michigan governor’s election, the group’s statements may soon translate into action.

“Mayor Mike Duggan is now a candidate who claims to be running as an independent. Gill stated, “We will, can, and feel comfortable voting independently, but we don’t have to go all the way to the right.”

According to her, Democrats must prioritize Black women or risk losing their steadfast support at the polls and on the campaign road.

“To know that someone else is okay, we will forgo things for years. As I mentioned earlier, our cup is empty, thus we are no longer able to do that. “There is absolutely nothing else I can offer,” Gill remarked. In addition to drawing attention to these issues, “Our Own Backbone” is attempting to bring about significant change in the future by supporting and fielding its own candidates for state-wide office.

After almost seven years as a news reporter and anchor in South Bend, Indiana, and Minot, North Dakota, Jack Springgate joins the CBS News Detroit staff.

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