Kamala D. Harris, Vice President, USA

THE VP ■ THE DAUGHTER ■ THE MOTHER ■ THE SOROR ■ THE MATRIARCH

BY JUVA THREAT ALEXANDER

Photo Credit: Wikipedia The US Senator, January 1, 2020. We did what we always did at the start of a New Year. We celebrated, we gathered in our places of worship, we yelled “Happy New Year”, we made New Year’s resolutions, held vision board parties and we greeted the upcoming year with great expectation. Little did we know, just two months later, we would be in the middle of a global pandemic; the Corona Virus invaded the United States like a thief in the night.

Forcing us to adjust to the “new norm” of working remotely, virtual education and attending meetings behind our computer screens while sitting at our dining room tables. Suddenly, we became more focused on the news, social media, our families and even politics. This was a presidential election year in the middle of our forced “new norm” and we paid attention.

One of the presidential candidates was of course the Junior Senator from California, and former prosecutor (San Francisco’s first female, first black and first Asian American district attorney), Kamala D. Harris. Intelligent, witty, poised and determined; Kamala was destined for greatness and a force to reckon with. Although, she did not advance to become the presidential nominee; we all believed she would end up on the ticket as the running mate to then former Vice President Joe Biden!

On November 3, 2020, we cast our votes, sent in, and counted our mail in ballots. Eventually, our voices spoke loud and clear; Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala D. Harris became this dynamic duo and successfully elected as the President and Vice President of the United States of America

On January 20, 2021, Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America. At that point she made HISTORY by becoming the first woman to hold the highest political offices of the land. She’s no stranger to breaking barriers. Without a doubt, Kamala embarked upon the call of creating a legacy from her days in elementary school.

The Daughter § Madam Vice President Harris was born on October 20, 1964 to her Indian mother, Shyamala Gopalan and her Jamaican father, Donald Harris. Her parents strongly believed in obtaining a higher education and met during college at an off campus reading group, The Afro-American Association, at Berkeley. Shyamala and Donald connected and shared a common left-wing political interest. The pair married in 1963 and their first-born child, Kamala, was born a year later. Shyamala gave her the Indian name Kamala, which means “lotus”, the sacred water lily known as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. How fitting a name, considering Kamala’s characteristics are so much like this beautiful flower. She stands out, she draws attention and even though her initial roots were mud deep, she emerged and became the most beautiful and resilient flower ever.

Kamala and her younger sister, Maya, were reared during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in which their parents were heavily involved. It is noted that during Kamala’s campaign; she mentioned attending various protests and rallies as a child. Her parents and their friends influenced her greatly as it relates to freedom, justice, and change, even as a little girl. Her parents divorced when she was seven years old. Although her father had gotten his PhD, taught as a professor at several colleges and universities; her mother was the primary custodian and raised her daughters as a single mother. Her mother was a researcher, researching on a cure for breast cancer.

Her mother instilled strong work ethics and values into her daughters and taught them to be resourceful, problem solvers and find solutions to anything they might have faced. One particular problem the girls resolved as children, that I found most interesting; they organized a children’s protest. The apartment building in which they lived had a no playing policy in an empty courtyard of the apartment complex. As little girls, they were successful in getting this policy overturned. Politics and a position of serving the people were certainly in Kamala’s future. At seven years old, Kamala met Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress. Who at the time had a political interest in running for President of the United States? Talk about planting seeds unaware!

The Mother § “Momala” is the name they gave her! When Kamala married her husband, Doug Emhoff, in 2014, she became part of a beautiful, blended family. Doug has two children from a previous marriage, Cole, and Ella. Neither of them fond of the term stepmom; the children came up with their own name for Kamala; they called her “Momala”.

Photo Credit: Image tweeted by Kamala Harris Photo Credit: www.latimes.com / Courtesy of Kamala Harris

Kamala D. HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT, USA

Photo Credit: vogue.com / Tyler Mitchell, Vogue, February 2021

Kamala takes pride in her family; she values them and states that the title of Vice President means a lot to her, as we can all imagine. However, the title of “Momala” means the MOST! The one thing I found rather refreshing about her blended family; is that it is TRULY blended? Not only is she “Momala” but she graciously embraces and has formed a friendship with their children’s mother, Kristen. They effectively co-parent… or rather co-mother together. When the children have functions such as games, both mother and “Momala” are together whooping and hollering their children on from the stands. Maybe it is partially because she is a product of divorced parents herself; Kamala takes the job of being a loving “Momala” seriously and seeing her beautiful family together gives hope to all moms of blended families everywhere.

Although she is “Momala” to her own children, she has been mothering for quite a while. She is a big sister to her younger sister, Maya, whom she affectionately mothered alongside their very own mother. The relationship she has with her sister is strong and well respected. Maya often shares how Kamala was always protective of her, by nurturing her, and taking great care of her. Most family and friends are aware of the special bond that Kamala and Maya have with each other and her deep adoring love for her niece. We know kamala for her mothering nature to family and friends. No wonder she’s proud of being called “Momala” because she’s JUST that!

The Soro§ Let’s talk about “Chucks & Pearls” for a minute, shall we? The Chucks, well that’s obviously a personal fashion and comfort statement, but those Pearls are a part of LEGACY. Every woman of the distinguished sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated wears them.

The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are not strangers to excellence; Madam Vice President, Soror, Kamala Harris has, however, kicked it up a notch. Another history making moment in which the country and sorority are just uber proud, by every Divine 9 member (the historic Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council) across the nation. The world embraced “Chucks & Pearls” just as much as we embraced her.

Photo Credit: talkingpointsmemo.com

Soror Kamala Harris with her line sisters of Howard University

Photo from USAToday.com / Credit: Jill Louis

Vice-President Kamala Harris is one of 300,000 members of this prestigious sorority. She pledged at Howard University in 1986. The sorority is over a century old with a call to service of all humankind. During the presidential campaign, the press recognized that her sorority sisters (secret weapon) were going to support her in obtaining the office of Vice President of the United States.

“Like so many of you, I am simply, beaming with pride as we witness the inauguration ceremony of a HBCU graduate, member of the Divine nine, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kamala D. Harris, to the Office of Vice President of the United States,” Dr. Glenda Glover, AKA International President and CEO.

“Now as she rises to become one of the most powerful women in the world, the blood, sweat and tears of our foremothers have borne fruit. We are ready to harvest and replant with our own for the next generation. We have a place in the parade that our founders sought for the college women of Howard University in 1913. Kamala’s election will not be the finish line, but it will be a place of purpose and of power.” Jill Louis, Corporate Lawyer in Dallas, TX., Kamala Harris’ Line Sister.

“We have so much to get done. Vice President, Kamala and President Biden are the ticket that we need. They are the cure that we need to help move us forward. So, it thrilled me in that regard, of course, but also just thrilled because she is my line sister.” Debbie-Anne Reese, Kamala Harris, Line Sister.

The Matriarch § We define a matriarch as a woman who is head of a family or tribe. It is clear; Vice President Kamala D. Harris fits this description, impeccably. In her immediate circle she is a loving wife, “Momala”, sister, friend, auntie, and role model. Her mother instilled in her a sense of purpose, and God graciously gave her a vision. Yes, it was her “yes” to do and be all that He created her to be that has allowed her to become one of the most powerful and influential women in the world.

A matriarch indeed! Dedicated to serving all of humanity and leaving a rich heritage and legacy. Through her experiences, losses, and wins; she will continue to be a dominant influence on those to whom she touches.

Photo Credit: Camila Falquez for TIME

Mothers and Daughters

DEALING WITHDEPRESSION

Did you know daughters of depressed mothers are exposed to higher stress levels than those of healthy mothers? This puts them at a higher risk of depression. In fact, children with depressed parents are prone to developing depression before adulthood. Research finds that daughters of depressed moms are more likely to develop a depressive disorder. So what is the strategy to dealing with depression when it runs in the family? How does a depressed mother help a daughter with the same disorder and vice versa? There are ways to cope with depression and help a loved one with the same problem. Professional intervention to fight depression is crucial.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

There are some common symptoms of depression that you should watch out for in your loved one.

Breaking down too often without a reason is one of the most common signs that your daughter is fighting depression. If this happens frequently, it is a sure-shot sign of depression. However, you should look for other depressive signs that your teen daughter might be struggling with, including the frequent loss of energy, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, and prolonged sadness. Additionally, if your loved one starts to lose interest in her favorite activities and withdraws herself from her friend circle, she is possibly suffering from a depressive disorder.

Frequent bouts of anxiety or excessive worry without any reason also point toward depression. If they are unable to manage depressive symptoms, they are more likely to entertain suicidal thoughts.

Other common signs that your loved one is fighting depression: • Concentration problems • Unable to make decisions • Feelings of guilt and helplessness • Extreme fatigue • Pessimism and hopelessness • Sleep problem or sleeping too much • Restlessness and irritability • Social distancing • Aches, pains, headaches that don’t seem to go away • Suicidal attempts • Loss of sexual desire • Lack of responsiveness toward a child. • Inappropriate parenting behavior.

When your loved one tells you she’s thought of suicide, does that not sound scary? It might seem tough to cope with a person in crisis. But letting them know that you care by spending more time together, listening to her, encouraging her to get help, and offering mental support can make them feel a little more valued. When you know somebody cares and understands, that could bring a change in their thoughts.

HOW TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION

SHOW YOUR LOVE.

When your mother or daughter struggles to deal with the stress of life, show them love, care, and empathy. Offer to support them, by recommending counseling and even joining them for a few sessions. Your support could make a world of difference to them. Be present when they need you the most; sit with them and listen to their pain; and reassure them that you understand their feelings. The mother-daughter duo can be the best of companions to each other.

FOCUS ON POSITIVES

Mothers, your discouraging words or negativity can adversely affect your daughter. Track your ratio of negative to positive comments. You do not want to sound discouraging at all. Try to address each situation calmly. A depressed person gets very sensitive. This holds true for teens and elders. Whether you mother is fighting depression, or your daughter is struggling with the disorder, you do not want to add to their stress level with a show of negativity. It is important to communicate calmness. Your body language and tone should reverberate your concern and understanding. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

As you struggle with depression, it’s tough to offer support to your loved one. So you may first take care of yourself. It might help to practice meditation, find a support group where you can share your thoughts and concerns, and get help whenever required.

If your daughter expresses suicidal thoughts or is saying scary things, she needs mental support. Take control of the situation and do not hesitate to call 911.

SEEK HELP

Mental health treatment is essential for those struggling with depression. As a close relative, you want to encourage your loved one to seek professional support, so they find some amount of relief from stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Cognitive therapy is one of the most preferred types of intervention for depression. Dealing with your IntraConversations, (those ongoing conversations in your head). The doctor might recommend modifications to your diet to help with your depression symptoms. Research shows that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression, which helps alter the negative and unproductive thought patterns and re-frame them in positive ways.

COVID-19 has added a lot of stress in everyone’s lives. Social distancing has only added fuel to the fire. As a result, there has been an increase in depression and suicide rate all over the world as more and more people struggle to deal with the stress of times. However, it is important to identify the signs of depression in a loved one and find ways to help them deal with the mental health condition. If you are struggling with depression, it’s high time you sought intervention.

Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Cognitive Therapy Specialist Christian Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.