“Black women and women of color have long been underrepresented in elected office and in November we have an opportunity to change that. Let’s get to work”, stated Kamala Harris. Now, she has the chance to change some things for good as she campaigns to become the next vice-president of the United States.

Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris, the California senator, as his vice-presidential runner-up. She is the first Black and Indian American woman nominated for the position and the fourth woman on the presidential ticket for a major U.S. party. Without a doubt, her candidacy is a milestone for women of color’s representation in government. Harris is a woman that has had trailblazing accomplishments and transcendental achievements: in 2011, for example, she became the first woman and the first African American to lead California´s Attorney General’s Office. Then, in 2016, she was elected as the second Afro woman to hold a seat in the Senate.

Harris is certainly going to face sexism and racism during her campaign. For instance, as soon as Biden announced his running mate, Donald Trump called Kamala “nasty.” she has demonstrated that she is a tough leader with a lot of potential, which is why her supporters believe she will be able to handle the situations she may encounter during the elections. “If Biden wins, he will be forever remembered as the president who had the first African American woman as vice president. This will encourage many young voters to join the Democratic Party,” said Sharon Austin, professor of Political Science at the University of Florida.

All in all, the announcement of Kamala Harris running for vice-president of the United States is a historical moment with deep symbolic and political meanings. Her profile is very likely to bring Democrats closer and to attract young voters as well as people within the African American community. Her presence on the ticket is also going to generate excitement and expectation among Black and suburban women. Currently many women and girls of color are leaders of important social movements, and a figure like her can be very inspiring for them and women around the world.