Leadership, Accountability and Respect
BWOPA-CA issues this public statement to express our deep concern and profound disappointment regarding Congressman Eric Swalwell’s decision to repost an offensive social media post about former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, as well as his dismissive and disrespectful response during the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Zoom meeting.
Black women have long navigated the intersecting forces of racism and sexism — dynamics that too often converge to undermine our leadership, question our competence, and diminish our voices. In the political arena, Black women are scrutinized more harshly, criticized more personally, and granted less grace than their counterparts.
Actions that publicly demean or trivialize Black women leaders — whether intentional or not — reinforce patterns that have historically marginalized Black women in public service.
This moment cannot be divorced from its broader context. Black women remain one of the most consistent and loyal constituencies within the Democratic Party and in the broader fight for justice and equity. Yet too often, when Black women step into positions of leadership, we are met not with solidarity, but with skepticism, dismissal, and disproportionate criticism.
The experiences of Mayor Karen Bass and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor underscore this painful and recurring reality. Both have demonstrated steadfast leadership and commitment to their communities, yet continue to endure racialized and gendered tropes that diminish their accomplishments and reduce their service to speculation and hearsay. This disparity reflects a systemic issue that cannot be ignored.
When Black women in positions of authority are publicly demeaned — particularly by members of our own party — it sends a chilling message. It signals to future generations of leaders that their service will be met with ridicule rather than respect. That message is unacceptable.
As an organization dedicated to advancing, protecting, and expanding the political power of Black women across California, BWOPA respectfully, yet firmly, calls for the following:
- Immediate removal of the offensive social media repost.
- A public apology to former District Attorney Pamela Price and to the Black women whose leadership and dignity were undermined.
Leadership requires accountability. It requires discernment. And it requires an understanding of how words and actions can either dismantle harmful narratives or deepen them.
Black women have fought for generations to claim space in institutions that were not built with us in mind. We will not retreat from that space. We will not be silent when that hard-won ground is undermined. And we will continue to insist upon mutual respect within our party and our democracy.
We remain committed to justice, equity, and principled leadership — and we expect the same from those who serve alongside us.
LaNiece Jones
State President
Black Women Organized for Political Action California (BWOPA-CA)
cc: Alameda County Democratic Central Committee