Politics | October 11th, 2024
Breaking Barriers: Kamala Harris’s Bold Path to the Oval Office
By: Ernest Walker
With the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, stepping out of the race for reelection on July 21, 2024, his Vice President, Kamala Harris, wasted no time stepping up to become the new candidate for the Democratic Party in the 2024 Presidential Election. Shortly after Biden’s announcement, she began campaigning to secure her position on the ballot for November. On August 23, 2024, she was officially announced as the Democratic nominee, tasked with going head-to-head against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump.
Historical Significance
If elected, Harris will make history as the first African American and South Asian woman to serve as President of the United States. This would be a monumental achievement for women across the nation and for Black women as well, who often do not receive the respect they deserve in our country.
Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, to parents Donald J. Harris and Shyamala Gopalan. She is of Jamaican and Indian descent. Until Kamala Harris, we have never had a presidential candidate participate in the Divine Nine sorority. It will be intriguing to see how the nation responds to all the love and support she will receive from not only the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) but all the other fraternities and sororities that make up the Divine Nine.
The divine nine organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alphas), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Kappas), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Deltas), Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Ques), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigmas), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Zetas), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Seeing one of their own on the ballot will inspire all these organizations to host community events to ensure Kamala wins in November.
AKA sorority member Nadia Lloyd had this to say about the support all the D9 sororities have been showing for Kamala. “ I have seen so much camaraderie among not just the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha but the other D9 fraternities and sororities as well. This has given us a certain push we need; for example, we have already raised over a million dollars for her campaign.”
HBCU Ties
Kamala Harris is a proud HBCU graduate of Howard University, obtaining her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics in 1986. While in attendance at Howard, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) the same year she graduated from Howard in 1986.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority prides itself on these values: unity, friendship, and service to all mankind. Kamala gracefully upholds these values that she learned from being a part of this prestigious organization.
With well over 360,000 members in the country, she will no doubt be counting on the support from her sorority sisters from all across the nation to ensure she is elected the 47th President of the United States.
Hosting events such as registration sign-ups and educational things on Kamala’s campaign will be beneficial not only to her but also to members of our communities. Elections are crucial, and every citizen should make an informed decision.
Sisterhood
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member Hannah Kirby said this about Kamala Harris running for President, “As a young black woman, it is empowering to see Vice President Harris take this journey. Being a DC native, I am no stranger to politics, but rarely have I seen a woman who looks like me in a high position of power. Not only is it empowering, but it’s inspirational to all those who look like her and those who don’t. This is the first major election I can vote in, and I am overjoyed to know a black woman is on my ballot.”
Sharnell O’Neal recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Political Science degree and is an inspiring lawyer and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She explains how the organization is key in student voting.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha has always been at the forefront of getting of community and other Greek organizations to see the importance of student engagement.” With the election rapidly approaching, it is important that all Americans vote, but even more particularly Gen Z.
With the vast majority of Gen Z being the legal age to vote, they will have a significant role to play in who eventually becomes the next President of the United States. It is great to see the AKAs take this so seriously and encourage others to get out and vote!”
Kirby also said this regarding how the sorority plans to support Kamala Harris. “As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am even more excited to support the Vice President. Knowing that we share common values means that we are part of the same organization and sisterhood.
As an undergraduate member, myself and my chapter will promote the importance or voting and how it makes a difference. My line sisters and I are already planning for a jam-packed fall semester full of valuable and informative events!”
Kamala’s Story will inspire women nationwide and give them hope and optimism that they can be President of the United States. Not only that, but they achieve any dream they work for and put their minds to! The sky truly is the limit for black and brown girls worldwide, particularly in the United States of America.
