Publisher’s Note: Making History Again with Senator Kamala Harris

In early 2008, I was living in Seattle producing ColorsNW magazine. One afternoon as I set focused on my next edition, my editor, Naomi, burst into my office and said we need to do a story on then Sen. Barack Obama and his bid for president of the United States. “He is doing a campaign rally in Downtown Seattle, and we have an opportunity to interview him,” Naomi shared. I leaned back in my chair, looked at her and said, “WHO?” She insisted he was going to be the next president of the United States.  When she said that, I honestly thought she was on some sort of drugs. However, I said OK. I felt the need to see and meet this guy. Naomi and I went to the campaign rally and we were utterly amazed to see such a huge number of people waiting to see Obama. The police looked overwhelmed and amazed too by the size of the crowd waiting to lay their eyes on this black man who was touting himself as the next president.  

With our press passes in hand, we walked behind the barrier and met our contact who took us to Sen.  Obama. He talked about his vision for the country. I was impressed with his delivery, the way he described the future. But honestly, what impressed me even more was the fervor of the crowd when he spoke about his dream for the future.  I could hear many exclaim how they were going to work hard to help this black man become the leader of the free world. 

History! We made history. Electing the first African American President brought an energy and enthusiasm that really galvanized this country in many positive ways. Now we have another opportunity to make history. This country is poised to elect our first African American and woman as vice president.  Sen. Kamala Harris attempted a run for president, and when that failed, I now am excited see her running in the VP spot. She is a bright, strong, black woman who wants to create the same hope that our country witnessed 12 years ago.  The climate in our country needs energy and hope to deal with the ongoing despair and vulnerability we continue to face with the COVID-19 pandemic that has a grasp on the world. History making events are needed to turn the climate tide to a sense of belief and hope. Let us all do our part to make history again!

Photo by Gage Skidmore