Last Updated on November 1, 2024 by Successful Black Parenting Staff
Kamala Harris is running for President of the United States. She is anticipated to become the first woman of color to get the nomination from the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Kamala attended Howard University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Howard University, often called “The Mecca,” gave Kamala a strong sense of community, pride, and purpose. Her time at Howard was instrumental in shaping her political views and leadership skills, as she was surrounded by other young, driven Black students and mentors who encouraged her to strive for excellence.
KAMALA HARRIS
United States Presidential Nominee and Vice President of the United States
While at Howard, Kamala pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), the first Black sorority established in 1908. AKA is known for its commitment to service, sisterhood, and the empowerment of Black women. Joining AKA connected Kamala to a powerful network of women dedicated to positively impacting their communities. This experience not only strengthened her ties to her Black heritage but also played a crucial role in developing her sense of responsibility and leadership that she carries into her political career. Now Kamala Harris inspires a new generation of young Black girls and there is no holding back!
The Importance of Voting in the Black Community
Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for the Black community, representing a long-standing fight for equality and justice in America. This right has been hard-won and remains crucial in addressing systemic injustices.
The Fight for Voting Rights After the Civil War
The struggle for Black voting rights began after the Civil War, with the 15th Amendment in 1870 granting Black men the right to vote. However, this progress was met with violent resistance, such as the tragic murder of Octavius Catto in 1871, who was killed for encouraging Black voter participation. This violence aimed to suppress the political power of Black Americans.
John Lewis and the Civil Rights Movement
During the civil rights era, leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis played a key role in the fight for voting rights. Lewis led the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, famously known as “Bloody Sunday,” where peaceful protesters were brutally attacked. This pivotal moment in history led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to eliminate barriers to Black voting.
Modern-Day Challenges to Black Voting Rights
In recent years, new challenges have emerged as state legislatures enact measures that disproportionately affect Black voters. These include strict voter ID laws, voter roll purges, reduced early voting, and the closure of polling places in Black communities. These tactics threaten to reverse the progress made in securing Black voting rights.
Modern-Day Challenges to Black Voting Rights
In recent years, new challenges have emerged as state legislatures enact measures that disproportionately affect Black voters. These include strict voter ID laws, voter roll purges, reduced early voting, and the closure of polling places in Black communities. These tactics threaten to reverse the progress made in securing Black voting rights.
BOOKS TO READ
This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to VP Harris’ nomination and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her career and the future of America.
A young girl accompanies her mother to their local polling station and pays witness to the commonality of this experience. Her mother gently reinforces the great responsibility and importance of this act, while the girl moves through feelings of excitement, nervousness, and ultimately, invigoration.
Charlie and Ralph’s mom has waited a long time to vote because countless obstacles have been put in Black people’s way to stop them from having a say in elections—obstacles that it took a lot of hard work to tear down. But now, in 1969, Madear is going to vote for the very first time.
The Power of the Black Vote Today
Voting remains a crucial tool for the Black community to effect change, address systemic injustices, and honor the legacy of those who fought for the right to vote. Ensuring access to this right is essential for the continued fight for equality and justice in America.
POWER SUITS AND GIRL POWER:
How Vice-President Harris Is Tailoring In A New Era
Kamala Harris has made the women’s pantsuit more than just a fashion statement—she’s turned it into a symbol of power, professionalism, and resilience. Throughout her career, Harris has consistently chosen tailored pantsuits in subtle hues, sending a clear message: it’s time to get down to business. Her style is not just about looking sharp; it’s about representing a new type of leadership, one that is approachable yet authoritative. Harris’s choice to don pantsuits, whether during significant political moments or in everyday appearances, reflects her commitment to breaking down barriers and redefining what power looks like for women.
Her influence extends beyond the political arena, inspiring the next generation of strong, confident women. This inspiration has even reached young girls, thanks to companies like LilaPants, which creates pantsuits specifically designed for girls. LilaPants empowers young girls to dress like the leaders they aspire to become, mirroring Harris’s iconic style. By wearing these suits, girls can channel their inner Kamala Harris, stepping into roles of leadership with confidence and grace. This movement is not just about fashion — it’s about inspiring a future where young women are emboldened to take on the world, one pantsuit at a time.
Representation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young Black girls, offering them the confidence and inspiration to see themselves as leaders. Kamala Harris, as the first Black and South Asian Vice President of the United States, embodies this representation. Her journey from a historically Black college to the White House serves as a powerful example of what is possible for young girls of all colors but especially Black girls.
By breaking barriers and maintaining a strong presence in leadership, Harris shows young Black girls that they, too, can rise to the highest levels of power and influence. Her story is a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, and paving the way for the next generation of strong, confident, and empowered Black women leaders.
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