Now making history, Kamala Harris becomes not only the first female vice president, but the first Black female vice president of the United States of America.
Harris’ voice would be crucial when it’s time to make decisions like whether to go to war, fight Covid-19, raise taxes and most importantly justice for African Americans. She will be able to advocate for the Black community and speak from their perspective.
As we all watched Biden and Harris getting sworn into office on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, we were all excited about the future that awaits us. Harris gives Black girls all around the world hope. She gives mehope.
I don’t see Harris win as victory just for Blacks but Americans all over. I don’t expect things to change overnight but I do think things are about to change for the betterment of our people.
Lionel Camel, a second year business administration and management student at Edward Waters College, feels a sense of protection now that we have a Black vice president.
“As a Black man in America I didn’t feel safe under former President Donald Trump and his administration’s leadership,” said Camel. “Blacks as a whole are not receiving the proper treatment in the medical aspect especially when it comes to police brutality.”
Camel also added that he’s ready to see what the Biden and Harris administration will do for the United States.
Harris has never been a push over or easily silenced. Harris is forthright, such as when she said to Mike Pence, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” during the vice-presidential debate.That’s exactly the type of energy we need after years of being pushed around.
Shakeriya Ganious, a second year interdisciplinary social sciences student at Florida State University, feels better now that we have a Black vice president but not as safe.
“I’m not sure if protected is a term I would use when speaking about the new Vice President,” said Ganious. “However, I do feel like there’s someone in office that now thinks the same way I may think and can relate to us on more levels.”
Ganious is excited to see where the Biden Harris administration takes the United States. “I feel empowered and inspired that we have a woman in the seat.”
The way Harris speaks out about injustices and policies gives us more confidence to use our voices. We now have the mindset of if she can do it, so can I; if she can speak out about it so can I. Even before officially becoming vice president, Harris had a big impact on the Black community.
Le’Vontae Camiel, a first-year health science student at the University of South Florida, feels Vice President Kamala Harris will bring more awareness to how Blacks are being treated by the law all over the nation.
“Having an African American Vice President gives hope to the younger generation that race nor sex can stop you from achieving greatness,” said Camiel. “Limitations in the government system are beginning to break.”
Camiel is happy that we have a Black Vice President and feels that it’s a great time for our people.
Makira Burns, a second year political science student at Florida A&M University feels more protected knowing that we have a Black woman as a vice president.
“This is history,” said Burns. “I don’t necessarily feel better just yet because there is still a lot of work to do.”
When the United States starts to see new and better results for Black people, Burns and I will have a much better attitude towards the government.