Black History Month is celebrated throughout February every year. This February, a special focus turns to an important woman to the American people. On Jan. 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as America’s first woman, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President. This event changed lives across the country. Women and young girls saw that a woman can hold such power, and women of color saw that they can do anything.
In Harris’s inauguration speech, she said, “American Aspiration is what drove the women in this nation, throughout history, to demand equal rights.” For some students at West Liberty University, Harris is an inspiration and dream. Tasia Stauntan, a third-year student at WLU expressed her feelings about Harris in office. “When I found out that Kamala Harris was going to be Vice President, it was almost like a feeling of relief. I felt a weight be lifted off of my shoulders. Kamala Harris being a woman of color, holding such a powerful title, is completely life changing for Black women, especially young Black girls.” Harris has set the bar high for women of color and has shown them not to be afraid.
In an interview with Vogue, Harris explained some of her plans she has during her time in office. “She says that she wants to help high-crime neighborhoods deal with the causes of crime: “Triple Title I funding” to low-income school districts, and stop funding public schools solely from the tax bases of communities, which hurts poor kids the most.” No matter where you come from, there will always be young students who don’t get the same education due to lack of funding for their school systems. Harris views education to be very important, especially to young people.
Harris has made it clear that she believes she represents the possibilities for women, especially women of color. In Harris’ first speech after being named the elected winner, she said, “Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities, and to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before. But know that we will applaud you every step of the way.” Sydney Bridges, a senior at WLU, thought this way too. Bridges said, “When I heard Kamala Harris was going to be vice president, I was overwhelmed with joy. Not only do we have another person of color in office for the 2nd time, but it’s a woman this time!” There are young women across the country sharing this joy and excitement.
Kamala Harris has made history and will continue to do so over the next four years. She plans on working with President Biden to get America back on track. Harris has proven herself in just a few months, and there’s no telling what she will do over the next few years. The first Madame Vice President is truly a woman that will be recognized for years after her time in office, and she will serve as a symbol of hope and power.