Tracee Ellis Ross moderated the second night of the Democratic National Convention and took advantage of the opportunity in a great way. Going off-script, the Blackish actress reminded the country about the historic significance of Joe Biden’s Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Kamala Harris, and the Black women in politics who paved the way.
“Like Senator Harris and many we saw in the keynote, today’s leaders emerge from communities that have long been underrepresented. They’re charting new paths in the spirit of Shirley Chisholm, Charlotta Bass, Fannie Lou Hamer and John Lewis,” said Ross.
In the spirit of Charlotta Bass, who became the first Black woman candidate for Vice President in 1952, and in the spirit of Shirley Chisholm, who became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968, and the first Black woman to run for President of the Democratic Party, Ross acknowledged and celebrated Senator Kamala Harris, who became the first Indian-American and first Black woman to run for Vice President.
Viewers of the first-ever, virtual DNC experience were inspired by Ross’s opening and took to Twitter.
Calling Joe Biden and Kamala Harris “the bridge” to a safe, equitable and even joyous future, The High Note star reminded viewers about the sacrifices civil rights activists and politicians like Sally Yates made in order to move our country forward.
The DNC will continue tonight with speakers including former President Barack Obama, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a performance by Jennifer Hudson and more.