Detroit Progressive Advocates Hope Biden, Harris Will Help Advance Agenda

With a new administration in Washington getting ready to take over, there’s hope for the first time in years among progressive activists that they might have a sympathetic ear in the White House. For women of color fighting for racial and economic justice, they also have someone who has lived in their shoes ready to be sworn in as vice president.

“This moment is absolutely tremendous as a Black woman and as a mother.” – Eboni Taylor, Mothering Justice.

What does this moment means for Black and Brown women who are on the front lines of policy battles here in Michigan? And what their hopes and concerns are heading into the next four years?

Listen: Eboni Taylor of Mothering Justice talks about what a Biden/Harris administration will mean for women of color and progressive activists 

Courtesy of Eboni Taylor, Mothering Justice

Guest

Eboni Taylor is Michigan Executive Director of Mothering Justice, a Detroit-based advocacy group. It is pushing for what it calls its “Mamas’ Agenda.” That includes advocating for earned paid sick time, affordable child care, women’s health, and stronger safety net programs. She says she’s especially excited about Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ role in the administration.

“This moment is absolutely tremendous as a Black woman and as a mother and actually being engaged with Sen. Harris in her presidential run, it feels great to have someone in the White House who is well aware of our Mamas’ Agenda,” Taylor tells host Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today.

On the suggestion that President-elect Biden should appoint women to half of his cabinet positions, Taylor says, “It’s beyond fair, it’s beyond time.”

She says she’s hopeful the administration will stay connected with advocates like herself when forging a policy agenda. “The important thing for this administration to do is to stay in communication with people on the ground,” says Taylor.