In 2024, America stands on the verge of an extraordinary breakthrough—electing Kamala Harris as the first Black woman President. This isn’t just a milestone; it’s a testament to the unwavering strength and resilience of Black women who have led the charge for justice and equality. For Black girls across Minnesota and the nation, this moment is a powerful reminder that they, too, can achieve greatness.
As Black girls across America watched Kamala Harris accept the nomination, we were reminded that we are enough—just as we are. We were reminded that our voices matter, that our dreams are valid, and that our futures are bright. We were reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and that because of women like Kamala Harris, we can reach even higher.
This resonates deeply with me on a personal level. In 2019, as a 16-year-old about to start law school, I had the incredible opportunity to introduce then-Senator Kamala Harris at a campaign event in Dallas Fort Worth. Meeting her backstage was more than just an exciting moment—it was transformative. I shared my journey with her, and she looked me in the eye and told me to never doubt my ability to overcome obstacles. Those words have stayed with me ever since. Kamala Harris didn’t just speak to me that day—she spoke to every Black girl who has ever been told that her dreams were too big or her voice too loud. Her encouragement was a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of believing in yourself.
Minnesota, too, has its own history-making moments to celebrate. In 2022, for the first time in the 164-year history of the state, a Black woman was elected to the State Senate. In fact, three Black women—Senator Zaynab Mohamed, Senator Erin Maye Quade, and Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten—were elected that year. Their success is a powerful testament to the growing influence of Black women in our state’s political landscape, and it underscores the importance of representation at every level of government.
We must also honor the trailblazers who paved the way for this moment, such as Toni Carter, the first Black woman to serve on the Ramsey County Board, and Sharon Sayles Belton, the first African American and first woman to serve as mayor of Minneapolis from 1994 to 2001. Carter’s and Sayles Belton’s leadership and dedication to equity and justice have inspired countless others to step into leadership roles and fight for a more inclusive Minnesota. Their legacies are reminders that progress is built on the efforts of those who came before us and that every step forward opens doors for future generations.
We must also honor the trailblazers who paved the way for this moment, like former Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, the first African American woman to serve on the Ramsey County Board. Carter’s leadership and dedication to equity and justice have inspired countless others to step into leadership roles and fight for a more inclusive Minnesota. Her legacy is a reminder that progress is built on the efforts of those who came before us, and that every step forward opens doors for future generations.
Kamala Harris’s candidacy is about more than breaking barriers; it’s about expanding the realm of possibility for Black girls everywhere. It’s about showing them that they belong in every room, on every stage, and in every space where decisions are made. It’s about affirming that their voices are not just heard, but valued—and that they have the power to shape the future of this nation.
For Black girls in Minnesota, this is a moment to dream bigger, to aim higher, and to know that they are seen. It’s a moment to recognize that their potential is limitless, and that they, too, can help write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told—the story of a nation where every Black girl knows that she belongs, that she can achieve anything, and that her voice can change the world.
As we move forward into this historic election, let us remember that Kamala Harris’s nomination is not just about one woman; it’s about the generations of Black girls who will look to her and see what’s possible. It’s about the inspiration she provides, the doors she opens, and the legacy she leaves for those who will follow in her footsteps.
Thank you, Vice President Harris, for showing us that our potential is limitless. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and a reminder that we belong in every space where the future is being shaped. Your journey is a powerful example of what it means to be Black Girl Magic, and because of you, we know that we, too, can help write the next great chapter in this extraordinary story.
Haley Taylor Schlitz, 21, is a trailblazing attorney and the youngest Black person and woman to earn a law degree in U.S. history. She graduated from the SMU Dedman School of Law at 19 and earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas Woman’s University at 16, becoming the youngest graduate in the school’s history. A recognized voice for Generation Z, Haley has contributed to platforms such as TheGrio, Blavity, and Teen Vogue, and was highlighted by Beyonce in “This Is Black History 2020”. She serves on the board of the Emerge Young Leaders Cabinet and has been honored as one of Brightbeam’s Top 30 Education Influencers in 2021.
