BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Consider the July 27, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Recognizing Senator Kamala Harris as the First Woman of Color to be Selected as a Vice Presidential Candidate on a Major Political Party Ticket.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Consider the July 27, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee recommendation to adopt a Resolution recognizing Senator Kamala Harris as the first woman of color to be selected as a Vice Presidential candidate on a major political party ticket; and
B. Adopt the RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS AS THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO BE SELECTED AS A VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ON A MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY TICKET.
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SUMMARY:
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote nationally on August 18,1920. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the constitutional amendment on August 26, 1920 ending a century of struggle and inequality that prohibited women from having the same voting rights as men. August 26, the anniversary date of the certification of the 19th Amendment, has been designated as Women's Equality Day, as a symbol of the continued fight for women's equal rights.
The history of women in American politics predates that anniversary by decades. Long before voting was extended to women nationwide through the constitutional amendment, women were running for office. Throughout the history of this nation, women of color, especially Black women, have been at the forefront in moving us toward a more representative and inclusive society. From the voting booth to grassroots movements, women have fought for and lifted up this country with their votes and voices. But their representation in the highest levels of government has never matched their unwavering participation in our democracy.
The announcement of Senator Kamala Harris as a vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket marks a historic milestone and ...
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