From THE PIPER: KAMALA By Iliana K. ’21 + Noa S. ’22

Kamala

The Vice President elect represents change and progress for many in the community

ILIANA K. ’21 AND NOA S. ’22, WRITERS FOR THE PIPER — EXCERPT FROM THE PIPER, DECEMBER 29, 2020

amala Harris is a woman of firsts: the first Black woman to be elected district attorney in San Francisco, the first Black and first Asian American to serve as the attorney general of California and the first woman elected to serve as the Vice President.

The new Vice President Elect has torn through almost every glass ceiling she’s encountered. Throughout her political career, she has become an inspiration to many, including those within the Campbell Hall community. Zoe T. ’24, an outspoken ally of movements including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights, sees Harris as an important role model, both for her personally as well as for the Black community and women at large.

“I am inspired by her because, although I don’t want to go into politics, I want to help people with whatever I choose to do,” Zoe T. said. “[Harris’ election] affected me because I get to see that America is progressing. It’s becoming a place where people of color, and especially women of color, are in power. I am able to motivate myself with the fact that there are women of color in positions of power that are able to do so much.”

Likewise, Kena Dorsey, director of TV Production and high school Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, looks up to Kamala Harris. She feels that having female and biracial representation in politics is an important step forward in the progression of the nation. Dorsey also hopes that Campbell Hall students will see the importance of having a woman like Harris in office, who is breaking barriers.

“The intersectionality of my identity provides many reasons for me to be inspired by her,” Dorsey said. “First, as a woman, and also as a [person] of color. I’m inspired by her life story of her mother being an immigrant and being in a biracial family. There’s just an enormous sense of pride to have that representation. [She is] breaking [the] stereotypes that women and people of color can’t achieve these sort of victories or successes. So, it’s amazing, but even more importantly, I think, for all students, no matter what your gender, color, or religious background is, it’s equally important for other people to see these representations too. This is wonderful for everyone.”

Haile W. ’22 feels that Harris will motivate current and future politicians alike. Haile W. thinks that Harris will help to normalize diversity in government and pave the way for aspiring students of color who want to go into politics. representation is everything,” Haile W. said. “If you see someone who looks like you in a role that maybe you weren’t even considering, [it puts the possibility of being in a position of power] into the minds of young people.”

Thinking similarly to Haile W., Zoe T. also looks forward to seeing more people of color in political positions. She thinks that Harris’ term in office will alter the definition of what a politician can or should be. “[Her leadership] will shift the standard of what a person of power is,” Zoe T. said. “For such a long time it was always [seen as] a white man, but now with [people of color] not just as Vice President, but in the senate and house of representatives, it’s shifting the narrative that people of color [can’t be in positions of power].”

As a faculty advisor to the Black Student Union for Girls (BSUG), Dorsey feels obligated to help students find their voice in any way she can. She encourages students to face obstacles head-on while acting as a role model and sharing her experiences. Dorsey looks forward to watching her students continue to grow as strong individuals and leaders in their community, just as Harris has become a leader for hers.

“We encourage the students to have a voice and make their presence known,” Dorsey said. “‘Be vocal, fearless, bold [and] hold your ground.’ [I teach them that,] whenever you’re met with any type of obstacle, [view it] as an opportunity; [view it] as a means to reach your goal. [I’m] empowered [by sharing] my story and modeling [certain] behavior. I’m modeling my behavior into something that they can use as an example. I share personal stories with them all the time about things that I’ve done and where I’ve had to stand up to power.” Dorsey is hopeful that once the Biden-Harris administration is sworn into office that they can unify the negativity between Democrats and Republicans and begin to bridge the gap between those that hold vastly different opinions than one another. She looks forward to watching the nation begin to heal.

“There’s just been so much division, hate, rhetoric, racism and just so many negative things over the years, [so] I’d like to see America get back to being nicer and more caring,” Dorsey said. “I’d like to see that restored back to America because I feel like that’s been hurt. And, equally as important, [I hope to see the Biden-Harris administration make changes in] health care, police reform, immigration law, gun violence and all of these actions that I feel are important. I would like to see a good step forward in [making] change.”