Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By BoTefu | California Black Media
In a speech at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards – held February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium — former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an upbeat speech, reminding the audience that the future of America “is bright and that they hold the power to determine the course of the country’s future.
In her first major public appearance since she left office, Harris was honored with the NAACP’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.
The NAACP Chairman’s Award honors individuals who “excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.”
“Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty,” said Harris, who received a standing ovation when she walked on stage. “To stay alert, to seek the truth, and to actively participate in the fight for America’s future.
Harris said the NAACP came into being at a time America struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred.
“Those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against – – no illusions about how stony the road would be,” Harris continued.
“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history. Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
Ending on an optimistic note, Harris said she has no illusions about the challenges ahead.
“This chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us,” she said. “The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”
