One Syracuse elected official knows first hand the accomplishment and message sent by the choice of Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. Assembly Member Pamela Hunter has herself, as a woman of color, had to win over voters to gain public office.
She notes the Harris selection is another step in slow progress.
“We’re always talking about firsts, even in 2020. We have the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and we’re still this much further behind. One hundred years of women suffragettes’ movement, and we’re still talking about firsts. We have the chops; we have the experience; we have the background necessary to do all of these jobs.”
Hunter believes the choice will have an impact at the ballot box. Harris as a VP might not change minds, but might help energize voters, especially those that look like her and Kamala.
“Women of color is a very strong voting bloc, and having them be excluded and outside that larger space has always been elusive. It’s always been something that was for other people. And now it’s for a woman of color.”
Hunter says she was not surprised by the choice, but says it was very satisfying hearing the names of Harris, along with Susan Rice, Karen Bass, Val Demmings and others tossed around as contenders.
She adds despite misogyny, which still exists to hold back women, the inclusive discussion reflected what America looks like.
This story has been updated with copy corrections.
