On Tuesday, January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in at the capitol during their star studded inauguration. To many this marks the beginning of a new chapter of American politics that will clean up the mess left behind
the Trump administration. To African American women all over the country this moment represents triumph. It marks the most significant change of the face of American leadership to one that resembles their own. Kamala Harris is not only the first woman but also the first woman of color to hold the Vice President position.
As a 30-something year old black woman I had to take in this moment and truly relish in how far we have come. My younger years were spent under the care of my parents, grand-parents and their siblings. All of whom could remember a time, not too long ago, when they lived in redlined neighborhoods. They also remembered, first hand, the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s that eerily resemble recent events that have taken place in our country. There is an innate connection between millennials and those generations before. It’s more than just blood. All that they went through and experienced helped shape our perspectives. So watching Kamala Harris take her oath transcends our time and gives acknowledgement to the spirits of our ancestors.
What are my hopes?
What are my hopes for the Biden-Harris administration? As with any new leadership I hope that they prioritize the African-American community. I would like to see initiatives that will address some of the disparities in our community. According to exit polls conducted
Edison Research for the National Election Pool the Biden-Harris ticket received a staggering 87% of the African American vote. This played a major role in their victory in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Georgia. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris must show up for their black supporters that carried them across the finish line.
Harris is also a graduate of the Howard University. With an HBCU alumna in the White House it is safe to say that this victory is extremely illuminating for black colleges. With Harris in the spotlight she will undoubtedly influence a new generation of young black scholars. If they didn’t know before they can now see that they can really be whatever they want to be. I am looking forward to all of the great things that come out of this new administration; especially because there is a black woman helping lead the way.
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