“Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last!” ~Words to live by which were often spoken by her mother.
The phrase “representation matters” is often used. But, what exactly does that mean? After the historic decision of adding Senator Kamala Harris to the Democratic Presidential ticket as the Vice President running mate was announced, I took time to reflect on the popular hashtag (#representationmatters) that instantly began to circulate all over the country.
I challenge you to take this beyond who your preferred VP pick would have been. I even challenge you to go a little deeper and take it past your political party affiliation. Consider, if you will, where we are as a country in the middle of the intersection of a global health and social justice crisis. When Black people and people of color are often treated less than half of our peers and women are often relegated to service or assisting roles. Where both Black and women overall are often overlooked and devalued or believed to not possess skills and intellect just because of the color of our skin or our gender. Now, when you intersect race and gender, you have the woman of color who suffers the brunt of both in all aspects and areas of life. Constantly having to outwork, outperform, and outpace others just to be considered for positions and opportunities.
This historical ticket represents to women of color that we can be smart, bold, beautiful, assertive, confident, and accomplished. We can ascend to the highest level of service for our country and other aspects of leadership. We can stand firm in who we are, our beliefs, and our goals for a more just and inclusive society.
I commend and extend gratitude to Vice President Joseph Biden for selecting a woman– a Black woman– a running mate. It shows his commitment to recognize that women– and people of color– are capable, competent, and ready to lead in this capacity and to contribute to the growth and development of this country. I also think it is most important in promoting inclusivity and the need for diversity of thought around decision-making tables.
I am thrilled to teach my girls the importance of this major milestone for Black women. President Barack Obama represented that our culture could achieve at high levels. Senator Kamala Harris represents that the intersection of being a person of color and a woman can as well.
Representation matters!!
That means even more to me as a member of the same illustrious sisterhood, a graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and as the moderator for the town-hall at my beloved Winthrop University. Stay tuned for details of that experience.
Congratulations Soror Senator Kamala Harris. I’m so extremely proud of you!
Until then,
XOXO