Vice President Kamala Harris made history on Inauguration Day as she became the first black woman to hold Vice President of The United States’ office. Harris’ sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. dedicated the entire day to her to commemorate this historic occasion. Members of the sorority flooded social media with paraphernalia, pearls, and Harris’ wardrobe staple, Chuck Taylors.
Harris became a member of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Howard University, where the sorority was founded on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1908. Since the beginning of the election, members of the sorority have been at her side, publicly congratulating her and encouraging people to vote through social media slogans such as #StrollToThePolls.
Why is Harris’ membership in the sorority such a big deal, you may ask? Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first black sorority, and as previously mentioned, it was founded at Howard University, where Harris was initiated and earned her degree. This not only makes her the first (black) woman to hold the title of Vice President, but it also makes her the first member of the sorority and National Panhellenic Council to hold that title as well.
Kamala Harris’ victory shows women, specifically young black women like myself, that the sky is the limit if you accept the challenge of disturbing the odds.