Kamala Harris Becomes First Black and South Asian Woman Vice President

Kamala Harris was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021, becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Harris had previously served as California Attorney General and U.S. Senator. Her election was seen as a historic milestone and the result of decades of Black women's organizing and political work. Harris's candidacy faced racist and sexist attacks including questions about her eligibility that echoed birtherism targeting Barack Obama.