Launching Black Feminist Politics on Martha's Vineyard
Recently, I returned to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time in 27 years. It was everything I remembered and more than I could have imagined.
As I moved through the streets, not only was Black joy in abundance, but no fewer than 15 people called out to me from various phases of my life, including the parents of my 5th-grade boyfriend. 😁 And the new connections I made? Unmatched! The people that I connected with weren’t special because of their resumes or accomplishments. It’s that they’ve all built lives with intention.
I was on the island for the launch of my book, Black Feminist Politics: From the Voting Rights Act to the Kamala Harris Vice Presidency (1965-2025). The signing coincided with my appearance on a panel at The Momentum Summit: Power of Possibility.
Here are my top four takeaways:
It's important for Black women to get together and network in a relaxing space.
There’s often so much pressure for Black women to be “on.” Our heads are on a swivel in the workplace, and we’re hypervigilant in the community. However, something magical happens when we have a chance to relax: we open up to deeper levels of connection.
When I was the first to arrive at the Building Reproductive Justice Power Brunch, Dr. Regina Davis Moss greeted me so warmly. She and the other panelists—political commentator Joy Ann Reid, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell—created an atmosphere of safety and candor. Everyone there was fully present, and I was in awe of their ability to create intimate synergy with every attendee. (insert Instagram image of Dr. Bernadette Harrell and me?)
It's important for us to support Black-owned businesses like India Rose.
My book signing and the panel I spoke on at Momentum Summit were both held at the India Rose Collective. I’d been doing my research since the venue was first announced and was thrilled to read India Rose’s feature in ESSENCE. On the island, I stepped into an ecosystem of Black-owned businesses; their presence felt intentional and affirming. Every space listed in Martha’s Vineyard Black Owned Business Directory offered the same sentiment: you belong here. Our buying power, interests, and Blackness co-existed without apology.
It's important for Black women to engage in intergenerational conversations.
At 57, I was the oldest woman on the Period to Post Menopause panel hosted by the Momentum Summit. I was also the only one who’d gone through menopause. The result was a rich conversation on what we’d learned about our own bodies and what we could pass on to the next generation. For example, when I was pregnant with my first child, my mom told me that her water never broke. It was helpful because when I went into labor, my water didn't break, either, but I realized I was having the baby and could signal for help. This year, I began sharing my health journey with my 22-year-old daughter, which may help her farther down the road.
It's important for Black women to share our stories.
Every conversation in every room was a library. I discovered relevance and connection even in the seemingly ordinary discussions. From daily greetings with local shop owners to soul-satisfying conversations with other attorneys and educators, threads of history and experience connect us all. The more we share our stories, the more we see ourselves reflected in others. It mends the divides that institutions and society have created. After writing 127 books, teaching thousands of hours of political history, and living for over half a century as a Black woman in America, I am convinced that few stories are as powerful, connected, and transformative as ours.
 | New Book, Sneak PeekMy latest work, Meghan Markle: Essays on Monarchy, Race and Colonialism is available. And I could not have planned its release timing better. With her name in headlines globally, I’m compelled to share an excerpt from the collection with you. |
Booking Fall 2026Banned Book Author. Champion of Black Women in Democracy. Good Trouble Maker. Some people talk about changing the narrative. Dr. Duchess Harris drives it — and she comes prepared. As seen at:
Invite Duchess to speak at your institution or organization by emailing: Info@DuchessHarris.com. |  |
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