The Arc of Progress
2020 is a year of disruptions. We’ve seen many firsts, including the first black woman to be nominated vice president-elect in the United States.
This ascension of Kamala Harris to the #2 job in still the most powerful country, is significant for so many reasons. We know that black women are typically at the bottom of the pile when it comes to opportunities for advancements. Below white men, white women and all other people of color—men and women—black women wrestle to move ahead. Our gender and to a larger extent, our race just rule us out. Studies bear this out, it’s not just in our head. It is our experience. It is my experience.
The privilege of having a model like Kamala is undeniably transformational for blacks and other people of color, especially black women globally. For on the backdrop of what has been a year of social awakening, this appointment is a symbol of hope and resilience.
Personally, when I look at her image, I see me. We not only relate by gender and race but interestingly, we both have a Jamaican heritage and parents that are blacks and Indian.
Professionally, the foment of the moment evokes within me the possibilities that are ahead for people like me, that we just might have an opportunity to succeed with the allyship of our white supporters and being affirmed that our lives do matter.
Pairing Rubby Bridges with Kamala Harris in the poster “That Little Girl Was Me” that went viral after the November 03, 2020 US presidential elections depict the arc of progress. The shadow of the young 1960 civil rights activist Bridges, powerfully captures the moment and the completeness of the courage of a little girl’s steps to lead the movement towards racial integration within the US school system. These little steps led to the larger steps and strides captured so beautifully as Kamala walks confidently forward into these unprecedented times.
The imagery of the poster is a reminder that anything is possible. With full support and vision, good always wins. This little girl is me, this woman is me and I know the essence of this woman is you and serves as an awesome reminder of what can happen in the midst of crisis.
