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Update: Kamala Harris first Asian and Black American to accept nomination of VEEP. AAPIs react

By Louis Chan, AsAmNews National Correspondent

(Editor’s note: This post originally published Wednesday night has been updated with additional reaction from Asian Americans early Thursday morning.)

Sen Kamala Harris (D-CA), the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father became the first Asian and Black person tonight to accept the nomination for the Vice President of the United States.

“I accept our nomination for Vice President of the United States of America. I do so committed to the values she [my mother] taught me,” said Harris.

Harris set the stage by giving a nod to the women who came before her to pass the 19th amendment 100 years ago to give women the right to vote.

She paid homage to her parents who instilled in her the values she has taken into public office.

Her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris came to the United States when she was just 19 to fulfill her dream to cure cancer. She met the Senator’s father, Donald Harris at UC Berkeley. Harris recalls her parents marching together for civil rights while she was still in a stroller.

The two would divorce when she was just 5 and her mother would raise her and her sister Maya mostly alone.

“She taught us to be compassionate,” still speaking about her mother “That public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.

“She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage,” Harris proudly declared.

“She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.”

Deepa Iyer, the former Executive Director of South Asians Leading Together, applauded the historic moment.


“My dream was to see an AAPI on the Presidential ticket in my lifetime. Tonight is a night of celebration, for me and for AAPIs everywhere,” said Bel Leong-Hong, chair of the DNC’s AAPI Caucus.

Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) agreed.

“”When I see Kamala I see what’s possible for all the little girls who – like me – have dreams of supporting the growth of this country,” Doua Thor, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, said.

For Taste the Nation and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, watching Harris accept the nomination became an emotional moment.

“I am ready for the proverbial bamboo roof to be removed and let  natural light shine in on the possibilities for future female leadership roles in all areas,” said Texas Delegate Francine Ly.

Harris also gave brief mention to President Trump who she blamed for the country’s woes.

“Donald Trump’s failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods,” said Harris. “We are a nation that’s grieving. Grieving the loss of life, the loss of jobs, the loss of opportunities, the loss of normalcy. And yes, the loss of certainty.

“And let’s be clear — there is no vaccine for racism. We’ve gotta do the work.For George Floyd. For Breonna Taylor. For the lives of too many others to name. For our children. For all of us.

Joe Biden congratulates Kamala Harris after she accepted the nomination for Vice President
Joe Biden congratulates Kamala Harris after she accepted the nomination for Vice President

She also described former Vice President Joe Biden as the man who could lead the United States into better days.

“Joe will be a president who turns our challenges into purpose.

“Joe will bring us together to build an economy that doesn’t leave anyone behind. Where a good-paying job is the floor, not the ceiling.

“Joe will bring us together to end this pandemic and make sure that we are prepared for the next one.”

Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff with Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden
Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff with Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden

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