(WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 18, 2024) – In today’s disinformation landscape, Black women aren’t just caught in the crossfire — we’re the bullseye. As a Black woman immersed in politics, I’ve seen the onslaught of lies, doctored images, and malicious rumors aimed at dismantling our leadership and eroding our voting power. But here’s the truth: we aren’t mere victims. We’re the frontline defense in this battle against digital deception.
Take, for instance, the recent disinformation surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris. A crudely altered false photo of her with Sean “Diddy” Combs made its rounds online. Even after swift debunking, it continued to spread, with none other than former President Donald Trump sharing it. This incident is no outlier — it’s part of a broader, more dangerous trend targeting Black women in positions of power.
Influential figures who enable disinformation’s reach, especially with the use of AI, further compound its spread, and Elon Musk has played a significant role in this. Since taking control of X (formerly Twitter), Musk has loosened content moderation policies, allowing misinformation to flourish unchecked. This environment has proven especially dangerous for Black women in politics, like Vice President Harris, who are frequently targeted by false narratives.
Musk himself has been criticized for amplifying disinformation and failing to take responsibility for the harmful content on his platform. When powerful voices fail to act responsibly, the consequences ripple far beyond social media — they undermine our democracy and erode trust in institutions. It is essential to hold these platforms and their leaders accountable for the role they play in enabling the spread of falsehoods, particularly when they disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
This is no coincidence. Black women are a political force. We consistently tip the scales in close elections, and our growing influence poses a real threat to those who wish to manipulate the democratic process. That’s why we are prime targets for misinformation.
But here’s where disinformation peddlers miscalculate: Black women are not passive bystanders. We are connectors, trusted voices in our communities, and fierce defenders of the truth. The same networks these campaigns try to infiltrate are the ones we can use to fight back.
Through my work at Higher Heights, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact when Black women leaders unite to counter misinformation. We are a powerful force of resistance — when we speak, people listen. And now more than ever, we must harness that influence to safeguard our democracy.
The consequences are dire. Voter suppression disproportionately affects communities of color, often fueled by disinformation. Social media platforms are flooded with fake accounts masquerading as Black women, spreading confusion and encouraging apathy. These aren’t just abstract dangers — they directly shape policies that govern our lives.
What can we do? First, we must sharpen our digital literacy skills. Before sharing that shocking headline, pause and verify its authenticity. Consult trusted sources, check the facts, and stay skeptical of content that seems too neatly aligned with your views.
Second, we must activate our networks. Our group chats, church circles, and professional organizations are powerful tools for spreading the truth. Let’s use them to disseminate accurate information about elections, candidates, and key policies.
Third, we need to hold social media platforms and elected officials accountable. We need stronger protections against disinformation, and we must demand real consequences for those who knowingly spread it, mainly when it targets marginalized communities.
Finally, we must continue to uplift Black women in politics. The surge of disinformation is partly a response to our rising political power. What is the best way to combat it? Keep pushing forward. Run for office. Vote. Make our voices heard.
This fight isn’t just about protecting reputations or winning elections. It’s about safeguarding the integrity of our democracy itself. Black women have always been on the frontlines of movements to expand and protect American democracy. This is our new frontier.
So the next time you encounter a suspicious post about a Black woman leader, don’t just scroll past. Fact-check it. Call it out. Share the truth. Because in this fight, we’re not just targets — we are the solution.
Aprill O. Turner is the Executive Vice President of Communications External Affairs for Higher Heights for America, a 501(c)(4) organization, and its connected federal political action committee, Higher Heights for America PAC, which works to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation. Learn more at https://www.