Kamala Harris: The First Female VP

by Zyiah Tyler, Staff Reporter

Courtesy of THE NEW YORK TIMES

In 2017, Kamala Devi Harris became the first African American to represent California in the Senate. She attended Howard College in Washington D.C. and Hastings Law School in San Francisco. In Alameda County, Harris served as a deputy district attorney, becoming the first African American female to be elected to district attorney.

Now, she’s making history books as the first female of color to hold the office of Vice President of the United States.

“Harris will be the first Asian American elected vice president in the United States, in addition to becoming the first Black vice president and the first female vice president,” NPR Journalist Lauren Frayer said.

Harris has not only inspired young women in America, she has additionally done her part to help first offenders get their lives together.

During her time as District Attorney, Harris created a small program called “Back On Track.” The program was designed to help non-violent first time offenders find a better life. The downside is offenders have to plead guilty and have the charge permanently on their criminal record. It was considered an alternative to incarceration.

“They would have a felony on their record, but that felony would be expunged if they finished the program,” journalist Jamala King said in an interview with NPR’s Gene Demby.

Harris has inspired many women and young girls all around the country. She has inspired them to believe that their dreams can come true as she proves that women can be leaders.

“We are all born as leaders, and it's just a matter of when you decide to activate that,” Harris said in her victory speech. “Leading up to you being president, understand every day of your life you have an opportunity to lead. Today, tomorrow, every day of your life."

For young women like Lexi Villegas, a senior at Kennedy High, Harris’s new position can have both positive and negative impacts on girls.

“I do feel like she can inspire young girls but along with that, she has a high position,” Villegas said. “I do think that her mistakes during her time as Vice President can also affect the young girls as well.”

Harris is currently the Vice President Elect. She will be inaugurated along with President Elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20 following their victory over incumbent Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential campaign.