Kamala Harris: Breaking Barriers

By Haley Martinsen

First female Vice President.  First black Vice President.  First South Asian Vice President.

Kamala Harris broke barriers on Saturday after Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 Presidential Election. Celebrations in major cities across the United States continue into Monday as Biden pledges, “I will be a President for all Americans.”  

In 46 presidencies, including Joe Biden’s upcoming term, Harris is the first female Vice President, the first black Vice President and the first South Asian Vice President.  Harris is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and attended a historically black college and university (HBCU).  

Kamala Harris With Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sisters via The Undefeated

In 2017, Harris became a Senator for California and in her term cosponsored legislation to raise wages, reform the criminal justice system, address the substance abuse epidemic, support veterans and military families and expand access to childcare for working parents (About Kamala Harris).  She continues to advocate for people of color and equality.

Jill Biden, the First Lady-Elect, is a driven advocate as well.  

From 2009-2017 she served as Second Lady of the United States and worked to promote community colleges, advocate for military families and raised awareness about breast cancer prevention.  She also worked with former First Lady Michelle Obama to launch the Joining Forces initiative, which helped military families and veterans gain access to educational programs and resources (BBC News).  

The First Lady-Elect has a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate of education.  She is an educator, and taught students for decades.  Her patience and ambition are two great qualities to have as she begins her term in the White House.

These two women serve as role models to a younger generation and inspire girls everywhere to see that “this is a country of possibilities” and will continue to do so in the next four years.

Joe Biden gave his victory speech on Saturday night and will be inaugurated into office on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.  According to his website, in his term Biden wants to end the gun violence epidemic, build on the Affordable Care Act, restore American leadership abroad, implement a new tax policy, battle COVID-19 and improve racial economic equity.

His website details each policy and how Biden will strengthen communities across the United States.  For more information on Biden’s policy, visit his website here.