Response to the 2021 Inauguration of
President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
by Sasha Estrella-Jones, Francine Dash and Anthony Arnold
January 2021
Response from Sasha Estrella-Jones
That is my Soror ‐‐ wow! I tuned in to yesterday’s historic inauguration, while at work, proudly wearing my pink and green Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated scarf and my pearls! My smile was so big and I felt immensely proud.
We really did it. We made it to the White House!
I know Kamala Harris’ political past is complex and not as black and white as we’d like it to be. I have spoken candidly about my issues with her record and admittedly, I did not support her run for President.
I am still a Bernie supporter through and through. Speaking of, shout out to Uncle Bern for his outfit and notable mitten choice yesterday- we will always love you.
But watching my Soror take her oath as Vice President, Harris’ political past was not at the forefront of my mind.
It felt like I was back in middle school, sitting in the living room with my Dad on the night that Obama was elected. I felt hopeful, something I haven’t felt about our country’s political future in quite some time.
There was a part of me up on that screen. I was so honored to wear my pink and green knowing the legacy that my Soror, our Vice President, and I share. I kept thinking we did that! It was a collective win for so many, because representation matters. And that is not to say diversity simply for a photo’s sake or to meet a quota is acceptable and will pacify those of us seeking true racial equity in this country, because it won’t.
Part of that change, though, does mean seeing yourself, your identity and your story reflected in those that represent and serve you. There is empowerment and it does make an impact when you see people in power sharing a similar background to your own.
Throughout the past 24 hours, news and social media have reminded us all how historic Vice President Harris’ appointment is. It is a big deal that Kamala Harris is the first woman and the first Black and Asian American to hold the title of Vice President of the United States.
It does not go unnoticed that the levels of pressure and judgement Harris is under differs vastly from past Vice Presidents. Not that it is right or fair, but that is the reality we currently live in; and a larger conversation that we need to circle back to.
Even I can admit that I am asking more of Kamala Harris than I have from other Vice Presidents, which comes from a place of feeling that because she is one of us, maybe, just maybe, she can advocate for us a little harder. Though our shared identities and sisterhood does not mean I will blindly support her or that she is free from me critiquing her politics, it does mean I am rooting for her.
I will forever be rooting for everyone who is Black and I want my Soror to win, because this moment is also about all of who looked at that screen yesterday and for the first time saw our own image. It is my sincerest hope that these next four years will bring us action based policies, legislation and reform that lead us much closer to long overdue racial justice and equity in America.
P.S. I would love to see Madame Vice President 'skee wee' through the halls of the White House just because she can ‐‐ pinkies up Soror Kamala!
Response from Francine Dash
As soon as Former President Trump was in view, I was struck immediately by the tone, which was less angry, more quiet, more resolute, with only subtle jabs at the current administration. Former President Trump, who never mentioned President Biden or Vice President Harris by name, couldn’t help reminding those gathered to see him off that if taxes will be raised -- and according to him, they surely will -- that “he told us so”.
There were cannons and a small stage and a smaller than usual crowd, due to clearance restrictions, chanting “Thank you, Trump”. For a moment, President Trump paused as if to take it all in. At that moment, one could tell that leaving this office; and perhaps leaving in this way, would take a toll on him.
Former First Lady Melania Trump spoke briefly stating her thanks and that she would keep us all in her prayers, while family members and close allies looked on. President Trump then listed out accomplishments from SpaceX to the economy, pre-COVID, of course, and the success of having a vaccine created in such a short amount of time.
“It didn’t take us 9 years or 5 years. We did it in record time.”
At the end of it all, President Trump and the First Lady left to the sound of the Village People’s “YMCA”, playing in the background, boarding an awaiting plane and entering into civilian life.
Meanwhile, and at about the same time, President Biden descended the stairs of the Blair House to head to church. Having invited the leaders of the House and Senate of both parties, this service seemed to set the tone for the rest of the day.
Every aspect of the inauguration's festivities seemed to harken back to the power of being united and the value of diversity. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks, who as he sung the closing verse of “Amazing Grace” asked everyone at home and in attendance -- and even at work -- to come together and join him in singing the rest of the song. A noted Republican, Brooks made a point to address and hug former presidents and their spouses and others as he exited the balcony.
For many, the show stopper was the young poet, Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in history, who reminded us all that “The Hill We Climb” must be climbed together.
“Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we’re to live up to her own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made. That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb if only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.”
With all of the speakers on hand, President Biden reminded those watching what his agenda is and what will be required to see it through.
“We must end this uncivil war, pitting red against blue.”
With that, a series of other staged events closed out the rest of the day and evening. In short, the change in administrations is almost tangible. People feel it. They speak of it as the catalyst of a renewed sense of either patriotism or suspicion.
For some, it’s the dawning of a new day and for others it’s the return to the “swamp”. Either way, as we turn toward a new normal that we all hope will hear us and see us, the reality is that the best we can hope for is a more perfect union and an America that fulfills its promise to its people, to provide liberty and justice for all.
Response from Anthony Arnold
Inauguration Day is one of, if not the most, important day in our Democracy. It solidifies the peaceful transition of power, and it is the thing that separates this style of government from all others. An ending, and a beginning.
The Trump presidency has been unorthodox. So there was never a chance that it would end any differently. But, if you had asked me a couple of months ago, I figured that Trump would have applied his well-known love of spectacle and bombast to his departure. Fireworks, speeches, and a send off from his roaring fans. Maybe, even a tank or two.
History had other ideas, though, and the riot inspired by his own words scuttled whatever plans he may have had. What we got instead was something far different. Something small, petty, and surreal.
The former President’s choice of "YMCA" as a signature song was always bizarre, if for no other reason than the fact that it’s become an anthem for the gay community; a community which I would wager is not exactly among his biggest supporters. But if he wanted to play it at rallies, then at least it was appropriate for the event.
But, having it play as he exited stage left? As he departed public service, perhaps for the last time? It was absurd. And like so many other moments throughout his time in office, it was somehow fitting. He was, from the outset, a reflection of all that can be absurd about America. Larger than life. A swaggering and towering ego. A man blessed with a silver spoon from birth, but without the class or taste that we so often associate with that status. A contradiction.
I have no idea if Donald Trump will attempt a return to public life. Who can really predict what happens in his mind? What I do know is that I can think of no ending more appropriate than him stating, like a jilted lover, “...have a good life,” and then flying away to his personal fortress while both the party anthem, and the actual party, continues on without him.
Which brings us to the other half of this day! The party that people attended. Over the last four years we’ve gotten used to events like these occurring with a bit of a gloom hanging over them. Call it a “Trump Tax.” But there was always a fear that something inappropriate might occur, like when you invite your drunk Uncle to a cookout.
So it was refreshing, shockingly so, if I’m being honest, to have an event like this happen without that fear. It was normal. It was exactly what I expected it to be, and nothing more. And it was exactly what this country needed.
President Joe Biden’s inauguration was like a glass of cold water on a hot summer day. It’s not flashy, but it’s refreshing. It’s satisfying. And that’s the feeling a President should deliver on his or her first official day in office. They should turn down the heat, instead of making everyone sweat. They should be gracious, reassuring, and maybe even kind. They should make us feel like we are all in good hands.
For the first time in four years I felt that way. So yes, I will take pleasure in that feeling. Even if it’s fleeting ‐‐ and it is ‐‐ it is nice to feel that way, again.