Dear Kamala Harris: Women Who Wrote Letters to Vice President Kamala Harris

The book entitled “Dear Kamala Harris: Women Write to the New Vice President” was compiled and edited by Historian, Scholar and Author, Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram in 2021.

Dozens of women from various backgrounds were asked to write letters to Kamala Harris in celebration of her being the first African American Vice President of the United States. Dozens of women wrote to Kamala recognizing her as the first female of color as Vice President of the United States.

This Columnist wanted to recall this very important book because unfortunately a few of the women who wrote letters are now deceased. I also wanted to recognize Dr. Peggy Brooks Bertram for her vision. Here is a statement from Dr. Bertram that appears in the book: “As the first woman of color to become Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris broke many barriers and made history, energizing a host of women who have a lot to say. Seeing a model of themselves filling the second most –powerful office in the free world, women from Africa to California to Florida began writing to the new vice president. Dear Kamala is a selection of these heartfelt and moving letters.

Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram is an author, educator, social historian, and community activist. She is President and cofounder along with Dr. Barbara Nevergold of the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc. She is the coeditor with Dr. Nevergold of the book, Tell Michelle: African American Women write to the New First Lady in 2009.

This columnist is honored to be in the book Dear Kamala along with a number of distinguished women. When we wrote these letters, we had no idea that Kamala would be a candidate for President of the United States. Thank you, Dr. Bertram, for your vision and all of the work scholarly work you have done for our community.

The following is my letter that is included in the book Dear Kamala. In my letter I included Kamala Harris as a “Roses for Outstanding Women Honoree.” I would also like to note that the book is still available on Amazon. I just ordered a copy to send to my sister-in-law, who lives in Orlando, Florida.

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During the past 11 years, I have presented roses to outstanding women in our community here in Western New York. The Awards program is called “Roses for Outstanding Women.” I have included the following statement on the front of the program booklet: “Roses are known for their great beauty and they have a special place in our lives. Like a rose, a woman is special at any age. Roses come in many colors, but the red rose stands out from all the rest. All of the women honored are like these special flowers. They stand out in our community and touch so lives in so many ways.” Although I can’t see you in person, I wish to present you with the Roses for Outstanding Women Award in recognition of your contributions, talent, knowledge, and tremendous leadership. You are an inspiration to women everywhere and to our young girls who need to see the images of powerful black women who stand out and who make a difference for us all. Women like you encourage us all to be our very best and to reach for the stars.

When I see you and hear you speak, I am reminded of so many Black women from the past and present who stand out among us. I once wrote an article entitled: “A Tribute to Women of Greatness.” The goal of this article was to lift up our women and to give them the appreciation for their contributions to our community and to the nation. It was a celebration of women. This letter is a tribute to you, Kamala Harris, as a woman of strength and greatness. We need your leadership and your guidance in this time of uncertainty in our nation.

You have joined the list of Black women who gave us their wisdom, creative energy, leadership, talent, and great power. And like Shirley Chisholm who cracked that glass ceiling so many years ago, you are just as “Unbought and Unbossed.” We love you for it. We honor you for it. In tribute to you the words of the poet Maya Angelou come to mind when she wrote Phenomenal Woman. Here is an excerpt:

Now you understand

Just why my head is not bowed.

I don’t’ shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing,

I ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

And the palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s you!!

Sincerely, Dr. Eva M. Doyle

Eva M. Doyle

September 17, 2024