Black Women Regard Tim Walz as the 'Right White Man' for Vice President
Black women organizers view Walz’s role as crucial in a nation that continues to grapple with racial strife.
TroibNews 
CHICAGO — As Tim Walz takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, he will be making history. This event marks a first for America: a white man serving as the chief supporter and promoter of a Black woman at such a high political level.
Delegates gathering before Walz's speech expressed that this moment was long overdue, especially Black women, a vital segment of the Democratic Party's foundation.
“He is the right white man for the job,” stated Brenda Coles, a seasoned Virginia activist with four decades of experience in electing Democrats.
Coles, sporting a “Win With Black Women” pin on her dress, emphasized her appreciation for Walz, the Minnesota governor, noting that he doesn’t seem intimidated by supporting “a Black woman with the caliber” of Kamala Harris.
“I am such a proud Black woman to support our great Kamala Harris,” Coles proclaimed Wednesday outside a Virginia delegation breakfast meeting, asserting that she is now “claiming” Walz as her own vice president, too.
Harris considered only white men for the vice presidential position, with contenders including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. This decision was seen as a strategy to balance the ticket and appeal to white voters.
The pairing has been viewed by many Democrats, particularly Black women, as a significant advancement in addressing long-standing racial issues in the country. Through nearly two dozen interviews, various Black women involved in politics and the convention expressed admiration for Walz, particularly after he addressed a rally with Harris in Philadelphia earlier this month. Although many were initially unfamiliar with him, they began to appreciate the Midwestern governor for reasons that resonated with other Democrats as well.
They highlighted his working-class background and his legislative efforts benefitting Black communities, such as establishing a statewide Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. His personal narrative about the struggles he and his wife, Gwen, faced while trying to conceive also struck a chord.
Many attendees felt that Walz's selection signaled progress in racial matters.
“It's a natural fit and a natural partnership for a man who has dedicated his life to serving others,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat and Harris surrogate who made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia last year. She views this role as the “next logical step” in Walz's political journey.
Dottie Ferreira, a 21-year-old delegate from Tennessee, heard Walz speak at the Black Caucus meeting during the DNC on Monday. She noted that he “had the crowd going, especially Black women.”
For her, the experience showcased Walz's ability to transcend racial divisions.
“Racism … plays an important part in the United States,” Ferreira reflected, highlighting how significant it is to witness “a white man supporting a Black woman become one of the most important people in the world, that’s … very amazing.”
In some respects, Walz's role mirrors that of Joe Biden when he served as Barack Obama's running mate or Tim Kaine for Hillary Clinton, both of whom were positioned to complement historic candidacies. Democratic women here see Walz's function as a way to assuage concerns among voters wary of a woman of color leading the nation, without overshadowing Harris.
Melinda Perez, a New York lawyer attending her second convention since 2004, reflected that she does not perceive race as a central theme in this election, despite Harris being the first Black woman and South Asian American to head a major party ticket. Yet, in Walz's partnership with Harris, she found a connection to her own experiences in corporate America.
“A lot of corporate women feel like there's no stronger duo than having a white guy backing,” Perez said, explaining that this dynamic can make women feel seen as allies rather than threats.
Belenda Anderson from Memphis, who has attended Democratic conventions since 1984, articulated concerns about the electoral prospects for Harris without Walz's support in Rust Belt states. She shared a sense of urgency, saying that if Harris loses, it could be a long time before another Black woman is considered for the presidency.
“If it's not now,” she paused, “it’ll never happen again.”
This sentiment echoed among Black women who play critical roles in party organization. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, a group credited with energizing Harris's early candidacy, praised Walz as a coalition builder.
“It speaks volumes to his ability to govern and lead in a way that is about what Kamala Harris is really setting forth: a table where everyone has a seat,” Eaddy remarked, noting her group's fundraising success for Harris.
Some white men in the party recognize the importance of this moment as well. Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, who successfully flipped a Senate seat with significant support from Black women, expressed a keen awareness of Walz's role in supporting a historic candidacy.
“Hell, they got me across the finish line,” Jones noted about Black women’s backing during his campaign.
Since leaving the Senate, he has also aided Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation process.
“The karma is just right for this time and this moment and this place and so much in this country has changed over the years,” Jones observed.
He suggested that Walz’s address could play a role in changing the perspectives of those who harbor lingering racist or misogynistic attitudes about Harris.
“I've never met Tim Walz,” Jones said. “But everything I know about him says that he is a great compliment for her, and a recognition that this is historic."
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Delegates gathering before Walz's speech expressed that this moment was long overdue, especially Black women, a vital segment of the Democratic Party's foundation.
“He is the right white man for the job,” stated Brenda Coles, a seasoned Virginia activist with four decades of experience in electing Democrats.
Coles, sporting a “Win With Black Women” pin on her dress, emphasized her appreciation for Walz, the Minnesota governor, noting that he doesn’t seem intimidated by supporting “a Black woman with the caliber” of Kamala Harris.
“I am such a proud Black woman to support our great Kamala Harris,” Coles proclaimed Wednesday outside a Virginia delegation breakfast meeting, asserting that she is now “claiming” Walz as her own vice president, too.
Harris considered only white men for the vice presidential position, with contenders including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. This decision was seen as a strategy to balance the ticket and appeal to white voters.
The pairing has been viewed by many Democrats, particularly Black women, as a significant advancement in addressing long-standing racial issues in the country. Through nearly two dozen interviews, various Black women involved in politics and the convention expressed admiration for Walz, particularly after he addressed a rally with Harris in Philadelphia earlier this month. Although many were initially unfamiliar with him, they began to appreciate the Midwestern governor for reasons that resonated with other Democrats as well.
They highlighted his working-class background and his legislative efforts benefitting Black communities, such as establishing a statewide Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. His personal narrative about the struggles he and his wife, Gwen, faced while trying to conceive also struck a chord.
Many attendees felt that Walz's selection signaled progress in racial matters.
“It's a natural fit and a natural partnership for a man who has dedicated his life to serving others,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat and Harris surrogate who made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia last year. She views this role as the “next logical step” in Walz's political journey.
Dottie Ferreira, a 21-year-old delegate from Tennessee, heard Walz speak at the Black Caucus meeting during the DNC on Monday. She noted that he “had the crowd going, especially Black women.”
For her, the experience showcased Walz's ability to transcend racial divisions.
“Racism … plays an important part in the United States,” Ferreira reflected, highlighting how significant it is to witness “a white man supporting a Black woman become one of the most important people in the world, that’s … very amazing.”
In some respects, Walz's role mirrors that of Joe Biden when he served as Barack Obama's running mate or Tim Kaine for Hillary Clinton, both of whom were positioned to complement historic candidacies. Democratic women here see Walz's function as a way to assuage concerns among voters wary of a woman of color leading the nation, without overshadowing Harris.
Melinda Perez, a New York lawyer attending her second convention since 2004, reflected that she does not perceive race as a central theme in this election, despite Harris being the first Black woman and South Asian American to head a major party ticket. Yet, in Walz's partnership with Harris, she found a connection to her own experiences in corporate America.
“A lot of corporate women feel like there's no stronger duo than having a white guy backing,” Perez said, explaining that this dynamic can make women feel seen as allies rather than threats.
Belenda Anderson from Memphis, who has attended Democratic conventions since 1984, articulated concerns about the electoral prospects for Harris without Walz's support in Rust Belt states. She shared a sense of urgency, saying that if Harris loses, it could be a long time before another Black woman is considered for the presidency.
“If it's not now,” she paused, “it’ll never happen again.”
This sentiment echoed among Black women who play critical roles in party organization. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, a group credited with energizing Harris's early candidacy, praised Walz as a coalition builder.
“It speaks volumes to his ability to govern and lead in a way that is about what Kamala Harris is really setting forth: a table where everyone has a seat,” Eaddy remarked, noting her group's fundraising success for Harris.
Some white men in the party recognize the importance of this moment as well. Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, who successfully flipped a Senate seat with significant support from Black women, expressed a keen awareness of Walz's role in supporting a historic candidacy.
“Hell, they got me across the finish line,” Jones noted about Black women’s backing during his campaign.
Since leaving the Senate, he has also aided Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation process.
“The karma is just right for this time and this moment and this place and so much in this country has changed over the years,” Jones observed.
He suggested that Walz’s address could play a role in changing the perspectives of those who harbor lingering racist or misogynistic attitudes about Harris.
“I've never met Tim Walz,” Jones said. “But everything I know about him says that he is a great compliment for her, and a recognition that this is historic."
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
