59th Inauguration: America’s New Chapter for Women in Power
By Betti Halsell
The 59th Inauguration marks a new day in history, as the first woman of color was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. Her presence in the White House, and forever in historical context, symbolizes the shattering of the glass ceiling that was denied to the same level of equivalence in power for women in America for generations.
The world is eager to hear more from the woman who has done what seemed impossible, definitely stealing the spotlight from Biden on his first day as President, but he contributed by bringing a sense of normalcy back to diplomatic behavior.
Escalated energy from the extreme rhetoric brought on by previous leadership has now shifted to a calmer tide, although there is still work to be done. America has exhaled in unison to this new agenda that looks to call the nation back together.
Awareness has grown around political leadership in America; there is almost a sixth sense developing around the nature of those who look to serve the people in this nation. The 45th President was not present to pass down the torch to Biden -- former president Trump took his final walk through the White House and sailed off to Palm Beach International Airport while the event took place.
Three years prior to the noted day of being the first woman of color to sit as vice president, Harris made major changes as a senator. While holding a seat in the Senate, she applied herself to issues found on homeland security, judiciary, and intelligence committees.
Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (via Chicago Tribune)
On Jan 20, the woman of many firsts, raised her right hand and christened a new season of equality in America. Biden and Harris were scheduled to take the oath on Jan 20 at noon (EST), surrounded by an increased level of security.
President Biden and Vice President Harris attended a service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, then headed to the place where they took a sacred oath to defend America.
The Howard University marching band participates in a rehearsal of the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, Jan. 18, 2021, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. via ABC News
Howard University’s Showtime Marching Band escorted Vice President Kamala Harris and performed a special drum cadence in her honor. Pop icon, Lady Gaga sung the National Anthem, (her outfit confirmed that we are definitely entering the Hunger Games) and Jennifer Lopez serenaded Capitol Hill with a bilingual version of “This Land is Your Land.”
Later, Tom Hanks hosted a 90-minute primetime TV special that celebrated the Biden-Harris inauguration. Other performers included Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, and Ant Clemons. Many of the traditions took place virtually, as the world is still facing a pandemic that calls for social distancing. Although divided, Harris is a living symbol of what will happen if the nation keeps searching for progression.
