Kamala Harris splits Internet as she dubs Byron Donalds’ remarks on Black families under Jim Crow an attempt to ‘rewrite history’

Kamala Harris lashed out at Rep Byron Donalds over remarks he made recently about Black families during the Jim Crow era
UPDATED JUN 11, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris ripped into Rep Byron Donalds' remarks on Black families (Getty Images, Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
Vice President Kamala Harris ripped into Rep Byron Donalds' remarks on Black families (Getty Images, Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President Kamala Harris blasted Republican Rep Byron Donalds over his recent remarks about the unity of Black families during the Jim Crow era.

In an interview with Politico, the Democrat asserted Donalds' statement was an example of "somebody out of Florida trying to erase or rewrite our true history".

Last week, the congressman from Florida, who is a top contender for Donald Trump's running mate pick, drew flak after claiming that during the Jim Crow era, Black families were "together".

"During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative — because Black people have always been conservative-minded — but more Black people voted conservatively,” he said.

Despite intense backlash, Donalds did not backtrack on his statement. In a June 5 interview on CNN, he argued that he did not "insinuate" any nostalgia about the Jim Crow era and the media "twisted" his remarks "into the lens of race".

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks during a news conference with the House Freedom Caucus on the debt limit negotiations at the U.S. Capitol Building on March 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. Members of the caucus held the news conference to say they would consider voting to raise the debt ceiling in exchange for enacting legislation that would
Rep Byron Donalds recently said that Black families were unified during the Jim Crow era (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Kamala Harris condemns Byron Donalds' Jim Crow remarks

Harris criticized the potential Trump VP pick, saying his comments were "sadly yet another example of somebody out of Florida trying to erase or rewrite our true history," referring to the Sunshine State's intervention into Black history curriculums under GOP Gov Ron DeSantis.

"I went to Florida last July to call out what they were trying to do to replace our history with lies. And apparently there's a never ending flow of that coming out of that state," the vice president added.

Last year, the conservative state's Board of Education came up with a new curriculum on Black history that taught students "slaves developed skills" that could be useful for "their personal benefit." Harris had denounced the new curriculum as "propaganda."

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 08: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media about the cruise industry d
In 2023, Florida, under Gov Ron DeSantis, adopted a new curriculum on Black history (Getty Images)

"We know the history. And let us not let these politicians who are trying to divide our country win," she said at her visit to Florida in July 2023.

Besides berating Donalds, the vice president also delved into reaffirming the Biden administration's pledge to ensure the protection of abortion rights amid a growing Republican effort to restrict its access in a post-Roe v Wade United States.

Internet reacts as Kamala Harris slams Byron Donalds' remarks about Jim Crow era

Social media users had opposing views as Harris slammed Donalds' remark on the unity of Black families during the Jim Crow era.

While one group hailed the VP's "candid" response, another side indicated that the Republican's words were taken out of context.

One user commented below Raw Story's article, "VP Harris…thank you for being candid and for calling out the POS & his blatant lies!"

Another remarked, "Oh, Boy Byron is not going to like being called out by a woman!! Those coward Trumpers hate that. Especially by VP Harris. Good for her!"

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 14: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at the start of a round
Some social media users praised Vice President Kamala Harris for calling out Rep Byron Donalds (Getty Images)

While, a user wrote on Facebook, "I guess they didn’t actually listen to what he said. He meant that during the 50s and 60s Black families stayed together. The left can’t stand Black conservatives."

A second Facebook user said, "Liberals need to get a life and stop spinning the words and actions of others."

"She should be the candidate, not old Joe," added another.

Whereas, someone backed Harris, writing, "Isn't this the kind of RepubliCON bozos who said that slavery was GOOD? They now want to debate the good side of segregation as if their racist opinion has any standing and is an equal position. It's NOT."

An individual argued, "It’s pathetic the lies that have evolved from his statement! Liberal media lied about it now Harris is on the bandwagon. What’s worse is Democrat followers will believe them! This is why they are fake news"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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