Good morning Seattle Times,
It has come to my attention that all male governor candidates have received more than a dozen platform invites, while the women have not. We received one from a college student in Spokane who took the initiative because they couldn't find platforms that invited all candidates. After we reached out to the Renton Chamber of Commerce, they created a forum for all governor candidates.
I have been running for two years and have been constantly told to wait until the election year when groups will reach out to all candidates and provide platforms for all to speak. The race is not just inequitable but also not equal. This is the first time in history that Black women have thrown their names into the Washington state governor's race, let alone there has not been a black woman in US history for governor, and our outreach and press releases have been ignored. We have value to add, yet it is assumed that women do not have the intellect to contribute until people get to know us and regret their prejudgments. The other women in the race have experienced similar biases within their parties as well.
Do not insult us by suggesting our stories might not be relevant or interesting, which is false. My lived experience as a single mother, homeless veteran who is now a homeowner, to a formerly incarcerated husband who speaks at colleges about reduced recidivism, and more, from being a homeowner who has grown up in and still lives in a historically disadvantaged community, is testament to the unique perspectives we bring.
With only five days until the elections, the women in this race are demanding equal rights. We have a constitutional right to be at the table too. We represent unheard voices that deserve to know we are here.
Sincerely,
EL’ona Kearney
Names and number attached in media email.
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