It was an historic night, Jan 20, 2020, when Kamala Harris placed her hand on two bibles to be sworn into the Vice Presidency of The United States of America, as the first African American, as well as the first woman, she said, ""While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,"
The monumental moment means a lot of different things, for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons, but let's me clear, it has been a long time coming, and I for one am reveling in the red-letter hour.
As I witnessed this historic event, every bit of the entrepreneur in my bones began to rattle. As the elected Vice President said her congratulatory speech, she made note of those who have supported her in her journey, and in particular her HBCU educational roots. As a HBCU graduate myself, it was not only important for me to hear but most valuable for future little black girls.
I learned a lot from this election process, in particular how grassroots organizations and people of great fortitude can come together and make historical moments happen. Lessons learned:
1. Know your audience.
2. Never underestimate the underdog.
3. What you think will work, won't. And what you think won't will.
4. People change like the wind. Know who matters and what matters.
5. Character and trust is more important than any experience or credential.
6. Don't jump on the band wagon, know why you are supporting or not supporting a project. It could backfire.
7. People must be able to believe in what you are doing, not what you say.