New York City being a multicultural ‘melting pot’ has unsurprisingly embraced Senator and Vice President Nominee Kamala Harris as Presidential Nominee Joe Biden’s running mate.
Brooklyn in particular is recognized for its large Caribbean and Indian populations, which are ranked second largest of the overall Asian and Black ancestral groups in the county respectively, according to statistics.
From locals to electeds, professional women of color in Brooklyn are excited by the prospect of Harris, as a biracial candidate, on the ballot in November.
Medical Director of SUNY Downstate’s Emergency Room Ninfa Mehta was born in the Bronx and raised by immigrant parents who moved here from India in hopes of a better future for their children.
“I think for females of color, it gives them hope sort of, and the ability to see themselves in a different light. Have belief that somebody doesn’t always have to look a certain way to get a certain job or title. I think that’s really important, especially for young females growing up in communities where we work to have that as a positive role model,” said Mehta.
Mehta said most physicians are involved in politics as far as healthcare and their patients goes, especially in the underserved area of Brooklyn her hospital serves, but she isn’t too much of a Democrat or Republican. Even so, Mehta said she’s looking forward to what Harris has to say.
“For the Indian community we’ve never had anybody run this huge, so I’m super excited,” said Mehta. “This will be really important for my community and I’m hoping it will motivate them to go out and vote and become more active.”
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-Central Brooklyn) had this to say about Biden’s selection of Harris.
“Congratulations to my colleague and sister-in-service Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) vice-presidential nomination. I am proud to serve in Congress alongside my fellow Jamaican colleague and changemaker who is paving the way for women of color in politics and beyond,” said Clarke.
Clarke said that the day Harris was picked marked a “truly marks a historic milestone for the Democratic Party and the American people.”
“Senator Harris embodies and is the epitome of the American dream. She will be a vigorous campaigner, a fearless leader, and a worthy confidante to former Vice President Biden. For the first time in our history, millions of little girls of color across our nation will soon have someone in the White House that looks like them and unequivocally speaks for them. Her intellect and ability is above reproach and serves as an inspiration to us all,” said Clarke.
Clarke said that Harris could be the catalyst for change in this transformational era where people not only want it, but are demanding it in the streets. “This is a launching pad for the inclusive, people-first campaign that will take down the current administration in November,” said Clarke.
