December 31, 2020
A year like no other. Herstoric. Challenging. Knee buckling. Groundbreaking. Barrier shattering. Distressing. Ups and downs that no one could have ever imagined just twelve months ago.
For Black women and girls, 2020 offered us both a glimpse into our future and at the same time provided us a serious reminder of the historic challenges we have and continue to face. As we move toward the historic moment on Jan. 20, 2021 when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take her oath of office, we will join together and celebrate the shattering of another barrier.
At the same exact moment, we will also live with the reality that the single seat and voice that we had fought to secure for Black women and girls in the United State Senate will be gone. Once again, we live with the intersectionality of being Black women in America. Celebrating HERstoric moments while at the same time being reminded that our voices and opinions are still not truly valued in our nation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his selection of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the vacancy created by Sen. Harris becoming Vice President. While a historic moment for California, it was at the very same moment a reminder that Black women have never been allowed to be present in all areas of our government at the same time.