Vice President Kamala Harris Addresses Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated During 2024 Convention

"And now, now in this moment our nation needs your leadership once again. In this moment I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation. One focused on the future, the other focused on the past; and with your support I am fighting for our nation's future." - Vice President Kamala Harris

This week Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to run for President of the United States in the upcoming 2024 election. On July 24, the Vice President addressed thousands of members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated during their international convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also ackwowledged the presence of Zeta Sorors Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Dr. Opal Lee. As a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has a rich legacy of supporting women and children through advocacy efforts. Under the leadership of Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, the organization has emphasized 'the Power of SHE', which focuses on Social Justice, Health Justice, and Economic Justice round the world.

In the address, the Vice President highlighted the significance of this moment for all Americans and emphasized the necessity of mobilizing voters nationwide. Harris praised the role of historically Black fraternities and sororities in past social justice movements and highlighted the erosion of these efforts in recent years.

"We are witnessing a full on assault on hard fought, hard won, freedoms and rights. The freedom to vote the freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate. The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. The freedom to learn and acknowledge our true and full history, and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do. In the face of these attacks we must continue to stand together in defense of Freedom."

She proceeded to mention Project 2025, which is a conservative initiative aimed at significantly overhauling the federal government's infrastructure. She described it as "a plan to return America to a dark past". The Vice President proudly declared that "We are not going back!" because "ours is a fight for the future, and ours is a fight for freedom."

Watch the speech below

On Samia Nkrumah's Advocacy

Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah is an activist for social justice and equity, philanthropist, former politician, and the daughter of Kwame Nkrumah. She is also an honorary member of Zetas Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In the last few months she has been vocal in advocating for election reforms that empower the voices of marginalized citizens, including women and those from smaller political parties. She is also advocating for LGBT+ rights in Ghana.

From the Daily Graphic

Nkrumah is currently advocating for the current president of Ghana to veto an anti-LGBT+ bill. In February of 2024, a bill was passed in Ghana that heightens the consequences for consensual same-sex conduct. The bill also criminalizes organizations advocating for LGBT rights in the country. An additional layer to the bill includes imprisonment for individuals who do not report these activities and censoring anyone who advocates via social media. Read more about the legislation on the Human Rights Watch website

In March, Samia Nkrumah spoke on the issue emphasizing the need for education and empathy, instead of fear and hate. She also alluded to the bills divisive approach and stressed the need for people in Ghana to unite around their shared heritage and protect each other. In addition to Nkrumah's perspective and advocacy, the Ministry of Finance has named the economic impact of signing the bill into law, citing the country could lose almost $4 billion from the World Bank alone.

A good overview of the issue and an interview with an artist in Ghana who may be impacted by the bill can be found on The Daily Graphic.

Are You Following Shari' Nycole?

If you aren't following Shari' Nycole, you should be. She has been involved in some great projects lately. Shari' has been on the road during March Madness covering the women's basketball tournament. She posted her take of the tourney, keeping it real of course.

Catch her recent interview with Dr. Sheri Riley.

(watch the full interview on the Essence website.)

Did we mention she also has a podcast. You can catch her on 'Just A Thought', where she's connected with great people doing meaningful work in the community, like Shanti Das, Melissa Carnegie, and others.

She also spends some time with the 3 on 3 podcast, which covers sports. You can listen below. No matter what Shari' Nycole is doing, she is always representing well and she's setting a wonderful example for sorors. We see you sis!  Read more about Shari' Nycole's professional journey.