Sindy Benavides
Seldom in a lifetime do we get to see an event as transformative as what we are seeing today through the greatest expression of our democracy, our right to vote and to elect those we choose to lead us. The results show that voters of all backgrounds, races and beliefs see themselves in Kamala Harris, a 56-year old American daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants who will help make Joe Biden a better president for everyone. Her strength, her independence and her own moral compass as a leader should inspire all women in our nation and indeed, around the world. Her voice will espouse peace over violence, her views will engender inclusion rather than exclusion and her spirit will light a path towards unity not division.
Our nation has been through a difficult period these past few months of a horrific pandemic that has cost us dearly in the loss of loved ones and we are still seeking a way forward. I am truly encouraged that Vice-President Elect Harris will advocate for and encourage the future Biden Administration to bring relief swiftly to our communities of color that have been hit disproportionately by COVID-19. They are in pain and feel abandoned economically, cut off from health care and other vital social services. Her own experience growing up in a working family has prepared her well to empathize with our nation’s essential men and women workers risking their own lives and health to put food on our table and theirs.
I also recognize as does Vice-President Elect Harris, that women of color bear the additional duty of exceeding the expectation set for others around them. It is an expectation that is both imposed by others and one that we impose upon ourselves because we understand personally, the sacrifices our parents made so that we might have a better future.
As an immigrant daughter myself, carried here as a one-year old infant by my mother from Honduras who dreamed of a better life for us, I feel blessed to now be raising our two small children in the United States. However, I also recognize as does Vice-President Elect Harris, that women of color bear the additional duty of exceeding the expectation set for others around them. It is an expectation that is both imposed by others and one that we impose upon ourselves because we understand personally, the sacrifices our parents made so that we might have a better future.
I have no doubt that in the next four years, millions of women will walk with Kamala every day, we will say a quiet prayer for Kamala every day, and we will smile privately within ourselves every day, just knowing she is there for all Americans.
Sindy Benavides is the National Chief Executive Officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
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