The US 2020 presidential election made history when Kamala Devi Harris emerged the vice-president-elect of the country. By that election, Kamala has become the first American female to step into the White House the country’ number two personality, not as First or Second Lady. She is also the first African-American woman and first Asian –American to step into the White House.
Kamala ran the presidential race on the Democratic Party platform alongside Joe Biden, the in-coming American president. Their victory has given hope to women and girls all over world that nothing is impossible, a message for Nigerian women to it up, strategize and go for higher office in the governance of the country.
UN under secretary, Amina Mohammed while on a visit to the presidency shortly after Kamala’ victory, challenged Nigerian omen to go for the presidency come 2023, she said the time is ripe.
Who is this wonder woman?
KAMALA HARRI, born October 20, 1964) is an American politician and attorney who is the current junior United States senator from California, and the vice president-elect of the United States.
A member of the Democratic Party, she is set to become vice president on January 20, 2021, alongside president-elect Joe Biden, having defeated incumbent president Donald Trump and vice president Mike Pence in the 2020 election. She will be the United States first female vice president and the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history. Harris will also be the first Asian-American and the first African-American vice president.
Born in Oakland, California, Harris graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, before being recruited to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and later the City Attorney of San Francisco’s office. In 2003, she was elected district attorney of San Francisco. She was elected Attorney General of California in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Harris has served as the junior United States senator from California since 2017. Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez in the 2016 Senate election to become the second African American woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the United States Senate.
As a senator, she has advocated for healthcare reform, federal de-scheduling of cannabis, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the DREAM Act, a ban on assault weapons, and progressive tax reform. She gained a national profile for her pointed questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings, including Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault.
Harris ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and ended her campaign on December 3, 2019.[ She was announced as Biden’s running mate on August 11, 2020. On November 7, 2020, the race was called in favor of the Biden–Harris ticket.
In her acceptance speech, Kamala said democracy is not guaranteed but fought for. “It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it and never take it for granted.
“And protecting our democracy takes struggle. It takes sacrifice. There is joy in it and there is progress because “We the People” have the power to build a better future.
“And when our very democracy as on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America”
To all the women pat and present who ,fought to be heard, respected and for her victory, she paid tribute.
“Tonight I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision-to see what can be unburdened by what has been-I stand on their shoulder.
“And what a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break substantial barriers that exist in our country and elect a woman as his vice president.
“ But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities”
Kamala urged American children to set their caps high as there are no limits.
“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 yourself in a way that others might not see you simply because they’ve never seen it before. And we will applaud.
He promised to be loyal to Biden and give him the support he gave to former President Barack Obama as his vice.
