November 26, 2020 – “Harris in the House”
This Thanksgiving, as families figure out how they can come together to give thanks and celebrate another holiday, we are faced with the horrors of the pandemic; where some families will have an empty seat (literally or virtually) at their tables. We also have an administration that is set on holding back the transition process for the new President-elect and Vice President-elect. Even with the all of the tactics the Trump administration has tried to do, we have a strong woman by the name of Kamala Harris that will occupy the White House as the first woman and the first person of color to hold the office of Vice President. She will not only stand with President Biden-elect to help rebuild our nation, but she will also bring a new flavor to the White House as a woman of color.
Several years ago, when I was an event planner and Ms. Harris was the Attorney General for the State of California, I had the pleasure of meeting her. When she walked into the room her smile was simply radiant and you knew she was special and destined for more. My maiden name is Harris, so I also felt a connection to her even though we are not biologically related. I was proud that a woman with the same last name as my paternal family was making a difference. Furthermore, I also learned that we are “sisters” as we are both proud members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. There is no doubt in my mind that she will represent all of us well.
When Ms. Harris is sworn in, she will be known as Madam Vice President and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will be known as the Second Gentleman. Together they will break new barriers and set new protocol terms for this nation and our democracy. America has a history of breaking with tradition, dating back to our founding fathers who left Europe for a new life. The Biden-Harris families have built a strong personal and working relationship that will help them fulfill the goal of restoring honor and normalcy to our nation. Together they will rebuild unity among the people of our country, as well as bring healing with the current pandemic and help our economic and unemployment crisis that is before us.
The current state of America did not happen overnight, and it will not go away in the blink of an eye. However, a strong plan and having a strong woman on the team will make a difference. Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter said, “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they do not necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” With the recent presidential race being close in some states, there are definitely some that will not willingly support the new administration. But Kamala not only has the strength to help the president, but she also has the leadership skills to move people forward.
The mission for all Alpha Kappa Alpha Women is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” While attending Howard University, Kamala pledged our beloved sorority, and she will continue to live out our tenets to serve all mankind to the best of her ability.
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Visit www.WendyGladney to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. She can be found live on Instagram @Wendygladney on Wednesdays at 12 noon PST.