As we approach Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence in August 2022 we continue to highlight strides that women have made throughout the course of history and also accomplishments of African Americans.
The conversation enclosed between Arick Wierson, a white man, and his black daughter, Gabriel, acknowledges that we have come a long way in fighting for, and gaining equality. It also shows that we still have work to do.
Wierson starts off by saying, Even though you’re only four years old, today is one of your most significant days. It is not your birthday. It is not Christmas. Today is a big day for you and millions more girls across the country. These words will not be meaningful to you until you’re a little older. However, the significance of today’s news will ring throughout history and could change your life as a woman of color.
Wierson is making reference to Kamala Harris’ recent appointment, at the time, as Vice President elect of the United States of America.
He goes on to say, Although it is difficult to believe, this is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. America has just elected the first female vice president in the country’s 244 year history. Our country, the United States also elected the first woman of color to the office. California Senator Kamala Harris, a daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, was just elected by over 70 million Americans as the next vice-president of the United States. Her election has broken the glass ceiling that had eluded women who aspired at the top offices in the country before. This feat by a Black and Indian woman marks a historic moment in American history.
This is especially true for women of color. Today, however, is a significant milestone in our collective history. Harris demonstrated today that women, especially women of color, don’t need to temper their ambitions.
As you get older, you’ll see, even if you don’t experience it firsthand, but you will certainly learn from school teachers that this country is unique, but far from perfect. Although slavery was abolished over 150 years ago many forms of racism still exist. While women won the right of vote in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment, you will see that their roles as elected public servants are still significantly less than their male counterparts at all levels.
Millions of girls across the country, like you, will be able to sleep at night knowing that there is a place for them, regardless of where they are in life. A Black woman will be the next to hold the highest position on Earth. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve anything because you’re a woman, Black or mixed.
Harris is always an example to follow. Harris was a dreamer and has helped inspire many other little girls to follow their dreams.
I am a White man who lives in the United States of America and you are my only black child. I cannot imagine what it is like for people of color to live in this country. I also don’t fully understand the unfairness of women working in the workplace. Today is also a significant day for me, your father. Tonight I’ll sleep a lot easier knowing that there is a country for girls like you.
Do not mistakenly believe that the big news will make your life easy. Although the election of Barack Obama in 2008 was a significant event, it did not end racism. It probably brought the country closer to the surface. Let’s look at Donald Trump years later. Nearly half of the country voted for a president, who has repeatedly refused to condemn White supremacists, right-wing extremists, and routinely calls women who oppose him “nasty,” which shows that we still have a lot to go as a society.
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Harris’ victory won’t erase our nation’s history of misogyny or sexism at work. Although Harris will be the first woman of color to become president, it doesn’t mean people won’t try to make obstacles for you based on your race or sex as you move through your life. Harris is a pioneer in this area. Harris has expanded the parameters by which all Americans will view the world. She has made clear who is entitled to a voice and who has a place. Gabriella, no matter what career path you choose, this news is going to positively impact your life in many ways that I don’t yet fully understand. This is a new chapter in your life and for little girls like you. Gabriella, I’m excited to see you one day follow your dreams as Harris did. It is possible to do anything.
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