The significance of Virginia Lt. Governor-elect Winsome Sears’ victory cannot be overstated. But her victory is significant not only because she is a Black woman and the “first” of her race and gender to hold the office of lieutenant governor in Virginia, but also because she has been described as an anti-racist. Sears does not buy into a victimhood that characterizes the Democratic Party’s view of people of color.
In her Victory address, she said: “I’m telling you that what you are looking at is the American dream.”
White racists mocked Black students who integrated a Mississippi university and high school in Arkansas, I remember. The polarization of the country was overturned last week when love replaced hate. Sears was accompanied by her husband and daughters on the stage. She was cheered and applauded in front of a large crowd, which included white residents from Richmond, the former capital of Confederacy.
She recounted her personal story: “When my father came to this country (from Jamaica) August 11 of 1963, he came at the height of the civil rights movement. … I said to him it was such a bad time for us, why did you come, and he said, ‘because America was where the jobs and the opportunities were.’ And he only came with $1.75, took any job he could find and put himself through school. … He came and got me when I was six years old.”
Sears stated that she was a Marine Corps veteran when she joined. she was still a Jamaica citizen, “but this country has done so much for me I was willing to die for this country.”
She then drove a stake into the heart of the Democrats’ appeal to racism, discrimination and victimhood which the party has sold to Black people for generations: “There are some who want to divide us, and we must not let that happen. They would like us to believe we are back in 1963.” She then lowered the hammer about the progress made since then: “We can live where we want. You can eat wherever you like. The water fountains are ours. We have had a Black president elected, not once, but twice, and here I am living proof.” She could have added that Virginia previously elected a Black governor, Douglas Wilder, a Democrat.
Winsome Sears was a modern Democrat politician. When did that happen? There is an ideal role model, for all ages, that includes a happy family and strong work ethics. It also shows determination to pursue the American dream, regardless of the opinions of others.
Some cables news commentators claimed the Republican sweep in Virginia (Republicans also took back the House of Delegates) was because white racists turned out to vote in large numbers. New York Times columnist Charles Blow blamed “racial anxiety.” In addition to Sears’ profile, the incoming attorney general, Republican Jason Miyares, will be the state’s first Latino in that office. That charge doesn’t fly anymore.
Winsome Sears is the left’s worst nightmare. Her example is a reminder that everyone can reach their goals in America, provided they take the right steps. Glenn Youngkin, Governor-elect of Glenn Youngkin and she are openly Christian. The Democratic Party has become increasingly the place for secular progressives. In rural areas, serious faith is a strong asset, as well as in the heartland. This is especially true when cancel culture, critical race theory, and wokeness are being forced on conservative voters.
The word “Winsome” means “sweetly or innocently charming; winning; engaging.” Sears is all three. There are many other recipients with similar stories and have overcome obstacles. Two of her most well-known supporters are Sen. Tim Scott (Republican from SC) and Justice Clarence Thomas. Winsome Sears is one example of a rising number of people refusing to let the negativity of others stop them from reaching their goals.
There will be more as people of color realize they’ve been sold a lie by the left and that the future – their future – belongs to them and no one else.
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