Vice President Harris’ sister, Maya Harris, addressing the DNC’s final night Source: Anadolu / Getty
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) was not only historic in its nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as the first Black/woman of color to ever achieve that role, but it also showcased Black excellence and the unity of a truly breathtaking swath of American people–regardless of race. I was captivated by Maya Harris, the vice president’s sister and all those who advocated for the future I envision for America.
It’s one where reproductive rights are universally upheld, where Black women are seen and heard, and where economic opportunities are abundant for everyone. It was also a tribute to my own Black ancestors, our collective historic Black ancestors–and those of the broader American family who risked their lives to create a safer space for people who look like me. The DNC showed up to carry the long-standing ancestral call to action to never stop fighting, never give until freedom is fully and wholly achieved for all.
Maya Harris’ speech and presence reminding us the Sisterhood is Powerful!
Overcoming fear was a central theme in Maya Harris’ captivating speech on the fourth night of the DNC. Vice President Harris’ little sister, and an attorney, who, despite being a young, single mother, achieved her degree from Stanford Law (where she also met her husband, Tony “No she ain’t single and y’all best back up” West!). But Maya left a lasting impression on me, delegates and viewers alike, as she passionately explained why her sister was the right choice to lead America.
Maya, 57, highlighted Kamala’s steadfast spirit and determination were inherited from their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who immigrated to the U.S. from India at 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a breast cancer researcher.
“Mommy understood the power and the possibility that comes with knowing and showing who you truly are. She knew we could be the authors of our own stories, just as she’d been the opportunity that she wanted for Kamala and me. That’s a distinctly American story,” Maya told the crowd on Thursday night in Chicago.
Mrs. Harris would be proud of Maya, too. Thanks to her mother’s guidance and education, Maya not only achieved a law degree, but became a top-policy analyst, serving as a senior policy adviser during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and chair of her sister’s 2020 presidential bid, which not only led to her becoming the first woman and Black person to hold that role, but also offering the world an incredible demonstration of deep sisterhood.
Maya underscored that Kamala, like many Americans, knows what it means to be an underdog. In contrast to the GOP nominee Donald Trump’s push to return to the past, she highlighted that her sister is committed to moving the country forward.
“So I wish that mommy could be here tonight. I can just see her smiling, saying how proud she is of Kamala. And then, without missing a beat, she’d say, ‘That’s enough. You got work to do,’” the lawyer and political activist said with tears in her eyes. “Where others push darkness, Kamala sees promise. Where others feel detachment, Kamala fosters connection.”
Women standing up for reproductive rights and body sovereignty!
Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
The convention’s impact was evident from the very first night, when courageous women took to the stage to share their deeply personal and painful stories surrounding abortion, pregnancy and miscarriages. Hadley Duvall, a sexual assault survivor, described the critical role that access to abortion played in her life before the fall of Roe v. Wade, after being raped by her stepfather at age 12. Without access to critical medical care, Duvall would not have been able to make a choice imperative for her body and her future, a decision that I could only imagine was hard to make.
While Duvall had the choice to decide, Louisiana resident Kaitlyn Joshua was offered no help when she suffered an unexpected miscarriage during her second pregnancy. Due to Louisiana’s stringent abortion restrictions, Joshua was denied necessary medical care when doctors refused to treat her complications from the scary occurrence.
Both praised Kamala Harris for vowing to create change with a sweeping bill that would help to restore Roe and the future for women like myself in American who want autonomy over our bodies and the decision to plan our motherhood journey safely and without fear.
Oprah Winfrey’s amazing speech–and takedown of JD Vance and Trump
On the third night of the DNC, Oprah Winfrey took a swipe at former President Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, for his disparaging “childless cat lady” remark. The 70-year-old media icon delivered an inspiring speech, recounting her journey as a registered independent and urging undecided voters to support Harris. Oprah emphasized that the VP would strive to create “the best” version of America, contrasting sharply with Trump and Vance’s vision.
“We are not so different from our neighbors. When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion. We don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted,” Winfrey told the audience before slamming the silly comment Vance made during a 2021 interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. During the cringey segment, he claimed America was operated by “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made.” Vance has since tried to back-peddle on the insensitive remark.
Still, Winfrey let Vance know he was loud and wrong.
“No. We just try to do the best we can to save them. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady? We try to get that cat out, too,” the star said as the audience burst into applause.
Also Oprah: honoring Ruby Bridges and several civil rights icons.
Ruby Nell Bridges, 6, who risked her life as the first Black student to attend a once all-white school Source: Bettmann / Getty
The speech concluded on an uplifting note as Winfrey honored Black women like Harris who have shattered barriers for communities of color. She expressed deep gratitude to Ruby Bridges, Gail Etienne, and Leona Tate, who, in November 1960, became the first African American students to integrate an elementary school in the South; women who I owe everything to for their bravery, giving me the opportunity to pursue an education. Winfrey also paid tribute to Tessie Provost, a trailblazer in school desegregation, recognizing her significant contributions to the cause.
“She, like Ruby Bridges and her friends, Leona and Gail, the New Orleans Four they were called. They broke barriers, and they paid dearly for it. But it was the grace and guts and courage of women like Tessie Prevost Williams that paved the way for another young girl who nine years later became part of the second class to integrate the public schools in Berkeley, California,” Winfrey added, comparing Harris’ journey to greatness with that of the previously mentioned civil rights icons.
Lil Jon bringing us all together to stand up together by turning up together!
Source: Chip / Getty
On the second night of the DNC, rapper Lil Jon energized the crowd with his hit “Turn Down for What” as Georgia’s delegation cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris during the musical roll call. Delegates and fans of all ages and backgrounds danced along with the Georgia native, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder that politics can be both engaging and unifying. The event highlighted that, despite years of racial tension and division, unity is the key to progress. With Harris leading the way, there is hope for meaningful change if she reaches the White House.
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