By 12th grader (Senior) Sienna Reyes
Malcolm X once said, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.” On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, almost 60 years after Malcolm X delivered this quote, Americans watched while the first Black and South Asian American woman was sworn into office as the vice president of the United States.
Kamala Harris—Oakland native, Howard graduate, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. member, and former California senator—stood among past presidents and first ladies, members of congress, news reporters, and loved ones as she took the oath of office. Women everywhere celebrated this momentous occasion being that this is the highest position of power that has ever been held by a woman in the country.
As Americans rejoiced in the historical inauguration of Vice President Harris and President Joe Biden, a different celebration took place in the homes of almost every young Black girl and every strong Black woman.
The Black girls who have been told that their skin isn’t beautiful and their features too prominent, the Black women who have been told their beautiful kinks and coils are “unprofessional” and that their voices are too loud, that their personalities are overly dramatic—these same young girls and women watched this inauguration in awe as the country’s mirror finally reflected someone who truly represents them. I was one of those Black girls, eyes glossed over from the tears that formed.
As Black women, no matter how educated, conventionally beautiful, strong, caring, and everything else good that we are, we will always be seen as “less than.” Moreover, regardless of how qualified I am, someone will always question my presence in any room I occupy. This bias society has created toward Black women creates a divide that I feel every day. This divide presents itself in school, the workplace, and even at home. I constantly feel the pressure to be perfect, making sure I don’t fit the “ghetto” stereotype people assume. However, if I choose to speak “too properly,” I am labeled as “whitewashed” and “not Black enough.” I believe this bias originates in the fact that people are scared to admit the power a Black woman holds and find it easier to tear her down rather than celebrate her beauty. Now “Madam Vice President” serves as not only a dream, but a goal for Black women everywhere, including myself.
As Kamala Harris stood on the Capitol platform with her hand placed on the Bible, a single tear fell from my cheek. I sat on my couch, recalling the countless times I often questioned if someone who looked like me, who truly understood the struggle Black women in this country face, would ever hold such a powerful position. Like many Black girls, I have been told my dreams are too big, and that the stars I intended to touch are beyond the point any spaceship could possibly carry me. However, as I witnessed Vice President Harris in her royal purple suit with her beaming smile, waving to the people of this country, one thing became apparent—that the dream is mere inches from the fingertips of those who have the will and the determination to possess it.
At this moment, the crown of curls that falls just beyond my shoulder blades alludes to the power that I carry within. The beauty of my rich brown skin highlights the resilient attitude of my ancestors who fought for the simple right to exist in this country: women like Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement, Ruby Bridges in the desegregation of schools, Angela Davis who fought for civil justice, Sojourner Truth during the fight for women’s rights. In this instance, I picture these powerful women who refused to be silenced and who pushed to change the narrative this country has far too long written about the Black woman. This inauguration marks the day where Black girls like me can reach within and find the confidence to dream. And not only to dream, but to be. And not only to be, but to aspire and inspire in hopes of holding the positions once seen as unfit for those who are like us. This day will forever be marked as the first day a woman became the Vice President of the United States; however, in the words of Vice President Harris, “I will not be the last.”
This article is so well written and speaks for all Black women not only on this campus, but everywhere. I’m so incredibly proud of Sienna and moved by her words.