kamala harris
 · 2 min read
 · Taylor Swiftly
Table of contents

Kamala Harris: Advocating for Racial Justice from the Vice Presidency

Introduction

Since her inauguration as Vice President in January 2021, Kamala Harris has utilized her platform to champion policies that address racial injustice across numerous sectors in American society. Her background as a former senator and attorney general provides her with a unique perspective on the systemic issues that continue to affect marginalized communities across the nation. This article outlines the key ways in which Harris has advocated for racial justice during her vice presidency.

Details

  • Combatting Systemic Racism

    • Kamala Harris has emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to dismantle systemic racism in various institutions, particularly in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
    • She has supported legislation aimed at banning chokeholds and other excessive use-of-force practices by law enforcement officers.
      • This includes advocating for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which seeks to hold police departments accountable and prevent racial profiling.
      • Harris has highlighted the importance of demilitarizing the police force and reinvesting in community support systems.

  • Supporting Voting Rights

    • Harris has actively promoted policies that protect and expand voting rights for people of color.
    • She has rallied for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to combat voter suppression tactics that disproportionately affect Black and brown communities.
      • This legislation aims to restore critical provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was weakened by Supreme Court decisions.
      • Harris has conducted outreach to grassroots organizations promoting voter registration and education initiatives.

  • Advocating for Economic Equity

    • The Vice President has pushed for economic policies that aim to create equitable opportunities for all, especially for marginalized groups.
    • She has supported initiatives to ensure access to affordable housing and eliminate discrimination in lending practices.
      • This includes backing the American Rescue Plan, which provides economic relief and support for families disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • Harris has called for more investment in minority-owned businesses to stimulate economic growth in underserved areas.

  • Addressing Health Disparities

    • Recognizing the disproportionate impact of health crises on communities of color, Harris has advocated for equitable access to healthcare.
    • She has supported policies aimed at reducing health disparities exacerbated by systemic racism.
      • This involves promoting initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women, who face significantly higher rates of mortality and morbidity.
      • Harris has worked with Democrats to expand Medicaid and improve overall health insurance coverage for low-income populations.

  • Promoting Education Equity

    • Harris has championed policies aimed at providing equitable education opportunities for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
    • She has pushed for increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions.
      • Harris has advocated for eliminating student loan debt as a means of alleviating economic burdens that disproportionately affect students of color.
      • She has highlighted the importance of anti-racist curricula and increased access to advanced educational programs in underfunded schools.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris's tenure as Vice President has seen a concerted effort to leverage her platform for promoting policies that tackle racial injustice in America. By focusing on combatting systemic racism across law enforcement, advocating for voting rights, ensuring economic equity, addressing health disparities, and promoting educational opportunities, Harris exemplifies a commitment to fostering a more equitable society. Her efforts serve not only to challenge deep-rooted issues but also to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.