Madam Vice President

Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.

Albert Einstein

At this moment, I have no idea how we will ultimately view the 2020 Presidential race. There are two things I believe without any doubt: Firstly, this was a very ugly process and, there are no indications that things are getting any better since the November 3, 2020 election. Secondly, I am struck by the symbolism of this historical US Presidential race and its place in American history.

In my opinion, anyone, and I mean anyone, irrespective of your political attachment, racial biases, and any other hang ups not mentioned, should be excited that we will soon have our first female vice-president. If you have any females for whom you love, you should be ecstatic. I can’t tell you how elated I am about this election outcome.

Now relax! My joy is not based on any political party’s win or loss. I also have no clue what the next four years will bring as it relates to our country’s future success or failure. I am not here to spark a debate about any of those eventualities.

Today, this commentary is about my granddaughters, the most important females in my life, and what this election means for each of them! I am excited about what this historic crack in the glass ceiling means for all girls, all young ladies, and all the women of our nation and our world, regardless of race.

And to think, we are just four years removed from a prior historical event, that being the election and presidency of two-term, multi-racial, and African-American President, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. I remember Tupac’s lyrics in Changes stating “we ain’t ready to see a black president.” Now look where we are today. History is being rewritten, again!

On January 20th, 2021 in Washington, D.C., we will witness the swearing in of the 46th President of the United States of America. However, this piece is not about the President. This segment is about the Vice President-elect. As a matter of fact, for the first time in our 243-year history, we will refer to the second most powerful person in our government as Madam Vice President. Quite frankly, likely the second most powerful person in the world will be Mrs. Kamala Harris; a female and a multi-racial, African-American/Indian-American women. WOW!

In 2016, both of my sons blessed me with my granddaughters. It was a really amazing year for me. I can’t tell you how excited I was to become “Pop”. I can tell that much contemplation occurred to come up with such an original grandfather’s name! I think it took a year for us to settle on that very simple name. Since the day of my girl's birth, I have been on a mission.

That mission is to do whatever I can to create an environment and a world that will afford my granddaughters the opportunity to be whomever they want to be in life. This goal would be unlike the reality of generations of women past.

Since their birth, my granddaughters have been told they can be anything in the world they want to be. I have reinforced if they desire to be President of the United States that too is possible! Granted, I know I am a little early, but it’s never too early to start planting seeds.

For at least the next four years, my granddaughters will have the opportunity to see a mirror image of themselves helping to lead our nation. They will be able to see someone who looks like them doing some of the most consequential work imaginable. My granddaughters will have not only a woman, but a woman of color, as a living example for which they can observe and set their goals.

Today I heard something that solidified my excitement for my granddaughters and for all women. I heard the statement, “If I can see it, I can be it!” If you really sit back and think about it, the impact of our vice president will reach well beyond the borders of America. This is a monumental event for our entire world. There will be young women across the globe that will look across the oceans and recognize that they no longer have to be pigeonholed into someone else’s perspective of their place or limited in their position.

Now understand, I recognize that my perspective and excitement may not be popular with some, but I cannot apologize. I understand my position may not resonate with some, but in my house, it’s not only acceptable, it is encouraged. I reiterate again, try to move pass all the concerns you may have and recognize the many reasons this election outcome may be a generational reforming event with far-reaching benefits for our entire world.

There should be no reason that we cannot COLLECTIVELY celebrate this historic moment.