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We Hear You! VOTE for the Democratic Party! That was the message coming from presidential nominee Kamala Harris. That is the message to those in the community who are on the fence or feel they will get a better deal with the other party. The 2024 race is not just about politics; it is about saving our Democracy and the freedoms that were fought for by our ancestors. This time, it is not about being a Democrat or Republican. It is about preserving and advancing the democratic system we have enjoyed for years.
In order for Kamala Harris to be an effective president who delivers on her promises, she also needs a majority Democratic Senate and Congress. Therefore, when you go to the polls to vote for Kamala Harris, she needs you to vote for Democrats in the Senate, Congress, as well as state and local candidates.
I attended a private Democratic Convention watch party on Thursday night. It was an exhilarating experience to hear VP Harris’ powerful, moving and eloquent speech with a group of Harlemites. We also were graced with the powerful speech from Rev. Sharpton and the striking onstage presence of members of the five men falsely convicted in the NY Central Park jogger case. I must admit, last week was the first time in my lifetime I watched every minute, every day of any political convention for 4 days. I also attended my first “Watch” party and to be able to share your emotional journey with others is another experience, rather than being in your home by yourself.
The “positive vibes” about the upcoming election are in the air. The feeling of “hope” that we can now focus on joy and hope, instead of the doom and gloom of another Trump term. The feeling reminds me of visiting Chicago, the day after Harold Washington, the first African-American Mayor, won. As I traveled the streets of Chicago, the looks on the faces of the people, especially African Americans, were nods of “we did it.” Of course, it is also similar to the nationwide feeling when we elected Barack Obama to office.
However, for Kamala, it is not about her being a woman of color; it is about the fact that she has committed her life – “For the People.” She is believable in her promises to improve the lives of the middle class, offering a $25,000 down payment for first-time homebuyers, no tax on tips for service workers, the return of child-care tax credit, better benefits for seniors, lowering prescription drug costs, assistance for small business owners, returning reproductive healthcare back in the hands of women, their doctors, and their families, keeping our communities safe, and resolving conflicts in the world to a peaceful ending.
Many of us are in a hopeful state of excitement, however, there is a reality–there are people in America who simply have a different point of view. The only way Democracy will win is if we vote and all of us encourage as many people as possible also to vote. This is not simply about voting for the Democratic party; this is about voting for Democracy in this country we love and fighting for the hard-won freedoms we have had and want to have in the future. As we fight, we may get a caveat – a president who is able to keep promises made and improve our quality of life. Make a plan to get to work and to VOTE. In the words of Obama, “We Can Do It” and “She Can Do It.”
Vice President Kamala Harris takes her official portrait Thursday, March 4, 2021, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
