Photo by Gage Skidmore
As we look toward the future of our state and the values that should guide our representatives, we must hold every political figure to the highest standard of decency and respect. Recently, comments made by Ohio Republican Vivek Ramaswamy have surfaced, drawing widespread condemnation for their blatantly racist undertones.
In a statement captured on video and circulated on social media, Mr. Ramaswamy claimed that “a Black baby is probably safer in the inner streets of Chicago than in the womb of his own Black mother.” For anyone concerned with the moral compass of our leadership, this is not just an "outrageous" comment; it is a direct assault on the dignity of Black women and families. By suggesting that Black mothers are inherently a threat to their own children, Mr. Ramaswamy is leaning into dangerous, historical tropes that have long been used to dehumanize our community and justify systemic injustice.
This rhetoric does not exist in a vacuum; it is part of a broader, coordinated effort to erode Black political power in 2026. From the deliberate dismantling of voting protections to the strategic use of gerrymandering to dilute the strength of Black voters, we are witnessing a modern-day manifestation of Jim Crow tactics. The parallels are undeniable. Just as past leaders used the "Minstrel Show" to caricature and demean, current political figures use inflammatory rhetoric to scapegoat Black women and frame our families as the source of societal dysfunction.
This strategy aligns with a national pattern—seen in attacks on civil rights, the shifting composition of the Supreme Court to weaken judicial remedies for discrimination, and the promotion of narratives that echo the most hateful eras of our past. By targeting Black women and families, these politicians hope to demoralize our communities and discourage our participation in the democratic process. They know that when we are united and empowered, we are the architects of the change they fear.
The question for Ohioans is simple: Can we entrust our future to someone who utilizes such inflammatory and divisive language? Leadership requires empathy, an understanding of the diverse experiences of all constituents, and a commitment to uplifting rather than denigrating citizens. When a politician feels comfortable weaponizing racial stereotypes—or aligning with broader movements that seek to strip away our political agency—they forfeit the trust required to represent the people of Ohio.
We cannot afford to remain silent. If we sit back and let this rhetoric become the new normal in our discourse, we are failing to defend our own communities and the fundamental principle that all of us deserve respect. Ohioans deserve leaders who are dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the protection of constitutional rights for everyone—not those who seek to divide us through hateful narratives. For these reasons, voters should take a hard look at whether Mr. Ramaswamy truly aligns with the values of equality and integrity that we should demand from those who seek to hold power in our state. Our votes are our voice, and we must use them to hold candidates accountable for the words they choose to use against us.
Cynthia Denise Brown is the founder of the Heartbeat Movement Inc., founder and Committee Chair of Protecting Ohioans’ Constitutional Rights, and founder of The Ohio Coalition for Police Accountability and Transparency, oceqi.org.