Through the Lens of Black Women: The Significance of Obama’s Campaign

Abstract

For the first time in United States history, an African-American man has been elected to the United States Presidency. As African-Americans witness the manifestation of a long-held hope, some of us find ourselves wondering if the success of Obama’s campaign will pave the way for a woman of color to one day secure the nomination of a major political party in pursuit of the United States Presidency. Thus, one must ponder: 1) What socio-historical forces have facilitated this historical moment?; 2) Will these forces pave the way for a woman of color?; and 3) Will it happen in our lifetime? Two focus groups of African-American women were held to explore these questions. Their perceptions and responses are shared.