August 19, 2020 - Harris Accepts Vice Presidential Nomination at Democratic National Convention

In her speech accepting the vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention, Harris leans into the history being made and credits those who paved the way for her. She says, “That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all.” She points out that this week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, noting that Black women continued the fight for voting rights beyond 1920. Harris name checks Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as Black women leaders like Mary Church Terrell, Mary McCleod Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Diane Nash, Constance Baker Motley, and Shirley Chisholm. She says of the latter group, “We’re not often taught their stories. But as Americans, we all stand on their shoulders.” Harris also credits her mother for raising her and her sister Maya “to be proud, strong Black women,” adding, “And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage.” In her remarks, Harris directly references “structural racism,” saying the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.