Missing Voices: A Harvard Class on Black Women in Politics

A Harvard University course focusing on black women in politics has sparked discussion. The class, titled "History 167: Race, Gender, and the Law Through the Archive, " highlights notable figures like Michelle Obama, Stacey Abrams, and Kamala Harris. It aims to explore the impact of black women in politics, grassroots organizing, and law during the 20th century and beyond. Topics include reproductive rights, non-binary people, and black feminism. However, the course has been criticized for excluding prominent conservative black women. Figures like Zora Neale Hurston, Roberta Church, and Dr. Mildred Jefferson are notably absent. Hurston, a renowned writer and Republican, and Church, who served in the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations, are left out. Dr. Jefferson, the first black woman to graduate from Harvard's Medical School and a vocal advocate against abortion, is also missing from the syllabus. Professor Myisha Eatmon, one of the instructors, did not respond to inquiries about the course content. The course includes readings from critical race theorists and former Black Panther leaders. Learning objectives involve understanding intersectionality, the role of black women in reproductive rights, and the impact of Jim Crow on black women. Critics argue that the course presents a one-sided view of political history. Brenda Thiam, an ambassador for Project 21, a group advocating for black conservatism, noted that the course focuses solely on liberal women in politics. She suggested including figures like Condoleezza Rice and Mia Love to provide a more balanced perspective. Despite the criticism, Thiam acknowledged that the course offers value. It allows students to learn about the contributions of black women in politics and consider their own paths in the field. The debate highlights the importance of presenting diverse viewpoints in educational settings.