FORERUNNING & MAKING HERSTORY: U.S. VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

The world has constantly shifted in such a manner that surprises us but on January 20, 2021, we experienced a shift like none other. Of course it is a day that many acknowledge the inaugural ceremonies that happen every four years of a presidency but this day was different. America’s very first woman vice president was sworn in. With over 20k posts using the hashtag #chucksandpearls, women everywhere celebrated the herstory made. Madam Vice President Kamala Harris stands on being the first but ensuring she is not the last by remembering her mother’s words.

“My mother had a saying: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last” – Kamala Harris

Our first African American, our first Asian American, our first woman vice president, after a total of 48 vice presidents who were solely white men, to have been sworn in by the first Latina Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is commendable, ground breaking, and encouraging for women everywhere. It inspires us to stand in our truth and live knowing that we are the answer. It reminds us to not come quietly. It challenges us to embrace our voice and to prompt others to respect it as well.

There has been a shift in this era where women are now taking their rightful place in high ranking positions. Little girls everywhere can now not only stand on the backs of powerful women who evoked change from the Women’s Rights Movement to the Civil Rights Movement, but can now stand in confidence that they too can evoke change in powerful high ranking positions where their voice is heard and respected and esteemed, as we now have our Madam Vice President to thank for that.

The overwhelming joy on little girls, young women, and mature women faces speaks to the hope we can hold tight to. January 20, 2021 showed us that we are seen. It was a day that changed all of our lives. Cheers to it not ending!