We are living in challenging and changing times. Things are moving so fast that it can be hard to keep up. As my grandmother would say, you better pay attention otherwise you will be left behind.
I know people are wondering how the presidential race got to this point where a prosecutor and a convicted felon could be running against each other. I have a feeling that we have only just begun to see how this roller coaster is going to play out.
I am a bit saddened – unlike media personality Van Jones, I am not moved to tears – that President Joe Biden was pushed out, but it is time for us to move forward. Hopefully his legacy will stand on all the good things he has done for our country and the world once his term has been completed.
A question people are wondering is if the country is ready for not just a woman president, but also a woman of color. Historically across the globe there have been many women who have played pivotal leadership positions such as Queen Elizabeth of Great Britian, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom, Isabel Peron of Argentina, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, Prime Minister Golda Meir of Israel, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India to name a few.
The above-mentioned women led their countries through various issues that plagued them domestically and internationally and yet they were able to lead just as well as their male counterparts. Women have all the necessary skills and knowledge to lead; many are just never given the opportunity. Wake up America, Kamala is coming!
There are several things that could stand in the way of Vice President Kamala Harris and what she has to offer us as a country if she becomes the president. One of the most prominent barriers is that she is not only a woman, but she is also a woman of color. Racism and sexism are alive and well. As a matter of fact, in some environments it is rampant.
We also have those that are resistant to change and when they are not sure what to do, they lean towards conservatism. It is sad to say but people are misinformed and ignorant and therefore they fear change. It is important that we help change the narrative to help people understand how she can be the change we need.
Not only would her presidency be historic, but it will also show progress and help with gender equality and what is achievable. Vice President Harris’ record on advocacy for social justice, health, economic issues, climate change, and bipartisan cooperation are all positive contributions on behalf of her leadership. I am not saying she is perfect, but who is other than Christ?
I am sure over the next several months we are going to hear a lot of things positive and negative about what she has or has not done, but what we must be willing to do is be open and judge her based on the same measuring stick we have held up against men who have run for the same position. Women and men from across the country will band together and show their support and power in helping her achieve the highest office in the land.
It will take all of us to do more than just talk about it, but rather we are going to have to be about it by volunteering, donating money, or helping in any way we can. We are living in historic times and who knows maybe my sorority sister, Madam Vice President Kamala Harris, is just like Esther in the Bible where she was chosen for such a time as this.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
