Cheers Of Joy For Kamala Harris From Women In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When Kamala Harris officially took over as vice president on Wednesday, it was a watershed moment for women across the United States, particularly those of color.

Harris, the nation’s first female vice president, is also the first Black person and the first South Asian person to hold the post. She broke a barrier that has kept men at the top ranks of American power for more than two centuries when she took the oath of office, choosing to be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Read More: 'We Must End This Uncivil War,' Biden Says; Harris Makes History

In Essex County, Harris’ victory was shared by many.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, an East Orange resident, said that “history was made” in the United States.

“After 243 years, a woman leads our nation in the office of the vice presidency,” Oliver stated. “I am so proud of Kamala Harris and I’m filled with joy and hope for the future as together we strive to create a more perfect union.”

“To the young girls who are watching the inauguration today – that could be you standing at the Capitol taking the oath of office,” Oliver continued. “Know that you are capable of achieving your dreams and that it is possible in this country for women to achieve greatness.”

The lieutenant governor said she and Gov. Phil Murphy look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to “right the wrongs of the past.”

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill also had glowing words for Harris.

“As the first woman, first Black American, and first Asian American to serve as vice president, Kamala Harris gives the United States even more reason to believe in our potential and our future,” Sherrill said.

“[Harris] is a shining example to women and girls across the world, and I am so grateful that my daughters and my sons have her to look up to as an example,” the congresswoman added. “She will be a strong leader alongside President Biden.”

In New Jersey’s 29th District, which includes Newark and Belleville, a pair of veteran state lawmakers also have high hopes for Harris.

“Today was an extraordinary historic day that brings us hope for better days ahead,” Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin stated. “Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. We're all rooting for your success.”

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, one of the most prolific legislators in the state, said Harris has given inspiration to future generations with her historic inauguration.

“To all the little girls — dream big and never stop working towards your goals,” wrote Ruiz, who has made history herself as the first Latina to serve in the New Jersey Senate in 2008.

Ruiz continued:

At the all-girls St. Vincent’s Academy in Newark, teachers livestreamed the inauguration for students, leading a discussion about what the event meant to them afterwards. The experience gave students a chance to share a much-needed moment of solidarity as they continue with remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, administrators said.

“Such a beautiful thing to witness, because she’s opening so many doors for young women of color and she’s giving hope to little girls of color who feel like they haven’t got a place in society,” a student told News 12 New Jersey.

Women with the East Orange Police Department celebrated the inauguration by dressing in “chucks and pearls,” a nod to Harris.

The Newark-based Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. also gave a nod to the symbolism of chucks and pearls, and got a donation of 55 strings of pearl necklaces and bracelets to distribute to young fans of Harris.

Meanwhile, Inez Elliot of East Orange celebrated her 104th birthday on Inauguration Day – witnessing yet another historic moment in her lifetime, according to city officials, who paid her a congratulatory visit.

The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills pointed out that Harris may be the first female vice president, but she won't be the last.

"As a women’s civic leadership organization founded in 1901, The Junior League has always been actively engaged in expanding women’s roles as leaders in communities worldwide," the group wrote. "Today, we witnessed a historic moment as Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman vice president of the United States. She is the first, but she will not be the last."

• See related article: Which NJ Counties Have The Most Women In Politics? See The List

• See related article: Irvington Native Becomes 1st Black Woman On NJ Supreme Court

• See related article: Sheila Venable Is First Black Woman To Lead Essex County Courts

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This article originally appeared on the Newark Patch