Hollywood stars celebrate, show support for 1st Black female VP candidate Kamala Harris
Selected by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate, Senator Kamala Harris became the first Black woman and the first person of Indian descent to join a major political party’s ticket.
And the gravity of this feat wasn’t lost in Hollywood—especially artists and celebrities of color and mixed heritage—who took to social media to celebrate the news and pledge their support for Harris.
An “overwhelmed” Kerry Washington called it a “historic moment.”
“Kamala Harris is the first Black woman and the first Asian-American/Indian to be a VP nominee of a major party. My heart is soaring for all the kids out there who see themselves in her and will dream bigger because of this,” the actress said of Harris, who had also worked as a prosecutor and served as California’s attorney general.
“History has been made!” gushed Halle Berry. “Congratulations, Kamala Harris, daughter to Jamaican and Indian parents, and the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket!”
Actress-writer Mindy Kaling couldn’t be more excited for all her “Black and Indian sisters”—a lot of whom have gone through their entire lives “thinking that someone who looks like us may never hold high office.”
“We work so hard and contribute to the fabric of our lives in America… And now, to see Sen. Kamala Harris rise to the top like this? It’s thrilling!” she said. “I’m filled with hope and excitement. Thank you.”
Actress-comedian Maya Rudolph, who has done impressions of Harris for the late night comedy show “SNL,” was flooded with messages shortly after the news broke.
“My phone blew up yesterday. It’s pretty insane. I think there’s a collective excitement about this,” Maya told the Hollywood Reporter. “It’s a spot of positivity and hope, and some good news, so it feels nice to be associated with that.”
She also got an intriguing message from her “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels. “He sent me a GIF of myself as Kamala, in sunglasses, sipping a cocktail and saying, ‘Oh no.’ That really made me laugh,” she related.
Pop-R&B star John Legend was feeling hopeful that the Biden-Harris tandem could help put an end to the “nightmare” that is Donald Trump’s presidency. “Very happy for our friend, Senator and future Vice President Kamala Harris,” the singer said. “Very much looking forward to voting for the Biden-Harris ticket to begin the difficult work of recovering from this nightmare presidency and building an even better future,” he added.
Actor George Takei had similar sentiments, saying that to vote for Biden and Harris is to choose “two great leaders who will lift us up together toward a new future, toward a new America.”
“Biden-Harris will begin to heal our nation—from the devastation of the virus to systemic racism; from the economic collapse to the looming climate crisis,” said George, who also put emphasis on Harris’ Black and South Asian heritage.
For Lynda Carter, Harris being named as the presumptive Democratic vice-presidential nominee is an “extraordinary moment” not only for certain sectors of society, but for all American people.
“Not just for women and girls. Not just for those of us who are of mixed heritage,” pointed out the movie star, who’s mother is from Mexico. “This moment is for every American who dares to dream of a brighter future for our great Republic.”
“What a historic moment for women of color, little girls with big dreams and mothers everywhere,” actress Jessica Biel said. “We are cheering for you.” Rita Moreno can already hear the “bells tolling.” “So proud and so excited at Kamala Harris’ naming by our future president, Joe Biden. She will undoubtedly chew and spit out any male or female who takes her on,” the actress-singer said.
When Harris speaks, American Ferrera “always listens.” “Glad to have this smart as hell, insanely competent leader on the 2020 ticket,” said the actress, who posted a photo of her and Harris meeting in 2016. “Let’s go.”
Actress Mia Farrow put her trust on Harris and Biden, saying that “they will lead an administration of knowledgeable people we can trust to make the best decisions. No more liars, grifters, simpletons, imbeciles and sycophants.”
Actor Jason Alexander described Harris as a “hardworking, accomplished, compassionate and brilliant” woman. “I’m thrilled … you both have my commitment to do all I can be of service to your campaign and our country,” he said.
Singer and former N*SYNC member Lance Bass said he can vouch for Harris from personal experience. “Kamala Harris is one incredible person. Tough with a huge heart. She would make the perfect VP!” he said.
“Trump’s going to have a hard time deciding how exactly to be racist about her,” television host Stephen Colbert said, poking fun at the President.
And true enough, Harris has already been receiving racially charged attacks as early as now.
In hopes of keeping such types of comments in check and from saturating the media, the Time’s Up movement launched a campaign called #WeHaveHerBack, which is supported by such stars as Sarah Paulson, Amy Schumer and Reese Witherspoon.
“The sexist and racist political attacks on Kamala Harris have already begun. Let’s demand that the media keep these ignorant, bad-faith attacks out of their 2020 election coverage. Let her know: #WeHaveHerBack,” they tweeted.
Harris’ nomination had Reese reminiscing about her childhood, specifically, that time in third grade when her teacher asked the class what they wanted to become when they grow up, and the actress said she wanted to become the first female US president.
“Some of the kids laughed, but my teacher looked me in the eye and said, ‘I will be the first person to vote for you, Reese,’” she recalled. “My thoughts are with women in our country, especially the young Black and Brown girls of our nation, who have watched their mothers hold up their families, their communities, their cities, their states.”
“Now you know that you, too, can work hard, dedicate your life to service and show up every day to help others, and you can rise to become a vice presidential nominee in the United States of America,” she added. Whoopi Goldberg, meanwhile, urged her followers to “take care” of Harris. “This is a great moment. And make sure that we’re supportive of her, because this is a no-nonsense race and she’s ready,” the actress-television host said.
Other personalities have pledged support for Harris, including Taylor Swift, Mark Hamill, Wanda Sykes, Jamie Lee Curtis, Cher, Elizabeth Banks, Debra Messing, Chrissy Teigen, Charlize Theron, Pink, Chadwick Boseman, Jordan Peele, Jane Lynch, Jessica Chastain and Sharon Stone.
