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Michelle Obama explains what Kamala Harris' vice presidential candidacy means for young girls

Photo credit: Paras Griffin - Getty Images
Photo credit: Paras Griffin - Getty Images

From Good Housekeeping

It was announced this week that Democratic Senator Kamala Harris is to be Joe Biden's running mate in the US presidential election. Former first lady Michelle Obama posted a touching message to Instagram explaining how important a landmark this is, especially for young Black and Asian girls.

Harris, a former prosecutor who held the position of district attorney in California and is now vice presidential candidate, is the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India who met while studying at university in the United States.

Her dual heritage makes her both the first Black woman and the first Asian American woman to be nominated as a major party's vice president.

Michelle's husband, and former US leader, Barack has already given Harris a glowing endorsement, writing:"She is more than prepared for the job. She’s spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake."

Michelle explained in her own social media post the impact this will have on young Black and Asian girls' self belief and ambition; writing an important message along with a picture of Kamala meeting some young supporters and one of Kamala herself as a baby.

Photo credit: Michelle Obama/ Instagram
Photo credit: Michelle Obama/ Instagram

Michelle wrote in the powerful post: "You get used to it, even as a little girl—opening the newspaper, turning on the TV, and hardly ever seeing anyone who looks like you.

"You train yourself to not get your hopes up. And sometimes it’s a battle just to keep telling yourself that you might deserve more. Because no matter how much you prepare, no matter what grades you get or even how high you rise at work, it always feels like someone is waiting to tell you that you’re not qualified. That you’re not smart enough. That you’re too loud or too bossy. That there’s just something about you…you’re just not quite the right fit."

Photo credit: ROBYN BECK - Getty Images
Photo credit: ROBYN BECK - Getty Images

Michelle continued on to say: "Change can be slow and frustrating, but signs of progress are all around us. This week Senator @KamalaHarris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, became the first Black woman and first Asian-American woman on a major party’s presidential ticket.

"I’ve been thinking about all those girls growing up today who will be able to take it for granted that someone who looks like them can grow up to lead a nation like ours. Because @KamalaHarris may be the first, but she won’t be the last.

"I am here for it all. Let us embrace and celebrate this moment. Go get ‘em girl. 💪🏾"


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Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

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