Black women aren't waiting for your approval

Why is it so hard to believe that a Black woman can be the most qualified person in the room? Because it challenges the outdated notions of who belongs in power. And no, this isn’t just a slightly depressing riddle- it’s the reality we’re grappling with in society right now.

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Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, is one of the most qualified individuals ever to seek the highest office. With an impeccable track record- serving as a U.S. Senator, Attorney General of California, and now Vice President- she should be celebrated for her accomplishments. Yes, she is a Black woman, but that’s just one part of who she is. To suggest that her success is merely a product of her identity is not only wrong- it’s an insult. An insult to her, to every person of colour, and to every woman who has fought tooth and nail to break through systemic barriers. Her qualifications stand on their own, and her identity adds richness to her story- not a reason to diminish her success.

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The phrase "diversity hire" is being thrown around a lot lately, particularly by those who feel threatened by the changing face of leadership in America. The idea that Kamala Harris reached her position solely because she checks some diversity boxes completely dismisses her extensive qualifications and the hard work it took to get where she is. Kamala Harris’s achievements stand on their own merit. Yet, her success is often overshadowed by a narrative that reduces her to her race and gender. Why? Because it’s easier to dismiss her that way. Because acknowledging her competence would mean admitting that a Black woman can not only play the game but win it.

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But this tactic from Republicans is nothing new; in fact, it’s a tired and predictable one. It’s a strategy rooted in implicit bias, fear, and the discomfort that comes with seeing someone who doesn’t fit the mould of traditional power dynamics- a mould that many white men, particularly within Republican ranks, have used to their advantage throughout their lives and careers. Kamala Harris embodies multiple identities- Black, South Asian, and a woman- in a political landscape overwhelmingly dominated by white men. Her very presence challenges the status quo, and that’s exactly why she’s being targeted. When her opponents, especially those from the Trump camp, dismiss her as a diversity hire, they aren’t just attacking her- they’re attacking the progress she represents.

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Let’s call this narrative what it is: a desperate attempt to delegitimise her achievements. It’s the same worn-out rhetoric that’s been used for generations to keep people of colour and women in their place. The message is clear: If you’re not a white man, your success must be attributed to some external factor, not to your hard work or capabilities. This isn’t just a personal attack on Kamala Harris- it’s an attack on every Black woman, every person of colour, every woman who has ever dared to aspire to something greater.

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I’m sad to say that the same story too often plays out in the UK employment market as well, where the term "diversity hire" is too often used to undermine the achievements and career progression of underrepresented groups. As companies work legitimately to improve diversity within their organisations, there’s a persistent and damaging assumption that hiring to improve diversity means compromising on quality. It’s as if people can’t imagine that the best person for the job could also come from a marginalised group.

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And positive action often plays a crucial role here too. Positive action is about leveling the playing field, ensuring that everyone- regardless of their background- has a fair shot at success. It’s not about lowering standards; it’s about recognising that systemic barriers often prevent equal access to opportunities. Yet, when positive action is used, the narrative too often shifts to one of doubt, reducing the success of these individuals to their characteristics rather than their qualifications.

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We need to challenge this mindset and understand that improving diversity doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. The best person for the job can absolutely come from a marginalised or underrepresented group. Positive action is simply a tool to ensure that talent is seen and given the opportunities it deserves. Because while talent is everywhere, opportunities are not- and that’s what we’re working to change.

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When someone is labelled a diversity hire, it diminishes their achievements and reinforces the harmful stereotype that they are less capable than their white male counterparts. And let’s be real: This kind of rhetoric is never applied to white men. No one ever questions whether a white man in power is a diversity hire or doubts whether he is truly qualified and deserving. They’re automatically assumed to be there on merit, while Black women-and other underrepresented groups- like Kamala Harris are subjected to scrutiny, doubt, and endless questioning.

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The truth is, diversity is an asset, not a liability. Kamala Harris’s identity brings unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable in leadership, enriching decision-making and reflecting the diversity of the nation she serves.? And let's be honest- she's absolutely iconic! Ever since I first saw her on my screen, I’ve been fangirling over her. Do I have a slight crush? Maybe. But it’s more than that. What she represents, and what she has achieved, is nothing short of extraordinary. No, she’s not perfect- who is? But her ability to smash through systemic barriers and take her rightful seat is nothing less than inspirational.

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Yet, instead of celebrating this, some choose to attack it. This is not just wrong- it’s regressive. By dismissing her achievements and focusing solely on her identity, they ignore the systemic barriers that people of colour and women face in rising to positions of power. Worse still, it dismisses the significance of overcoming these obstacles, which makes her accomplishments even more remarkable.

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In the UK, just as in the U.S. we must challenge the "diversity hire" narrative by recognising that positive action in recruitment is about creating opportunities for everyone, not just a select few. It’s about ensuring that the best talent is not overlooked due to unconscious bias or systemic barriers. We need to shift the conversation from one of tokenism to one of value and representation, where diversity is rightly seen as a strength. Kamala Harris’s journey is a testament not only to her qualifications but also to the progress we’ve made and the challenges we still face. When people dismiss her as a diversity hire, they reveal their own biases and become part of the problem. It’s time to celebrate diversity, not fear or belittle it, and to acknowledge that Kamala Harris, and those like her, are far more than diversity hires- they are leaders.

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Kamala Harris is more than just qualified; she is overqualified. Her achievements exemplify what true meritocracy should look like- a system where the most qualified rise to the top. Yet, when it comes to Black women, the rules often change. The same meritocracy that praises mediocrity in white men suddenly turns into relentless scrutiny for women of colour. The reality is, Harris isn’t just breaking barriers- she’s obliterating the notion that only certain people are allowed to excel. If that makes those who cling to outdated notions of power uncomfortable, then it’s time they faced the truth: Black women aren’t waiting for their approval, and we certainly don’t need their labels.