At the NAACP Image Awards, Kamala Harris took the stage with a powerful message. She called the civil rights group a “pillar” of the Black community and reminded everyone to stay resilient and keep the faith during the challenges of President Donald Trump’s tenure.
“We know what we’re up against in this chapter of our American story, but it won’t be written just by whoever’s in the White House or by the wealthiest among us,” Harris said after receiving the NAACP Chairman’s Award. “This story will be written by you. By us. By we the people.”
The 56th annual Image Awards took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Harris, who had lost to Trump in the previous election, made history as the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously served as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator.
In her first public appearance since leaving office, Harris didn’t mention her election loss or Trump’s actions, even though he had mocked her earlier that day at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Instead, Harris talked about staying vigilant, protecting liberty, seeking truth, and focusing on America’s future. “Some see the flames on the horizon, the rising waters, the shadows over our democracy and ask, ‘What do we do now?’” she said. “But we know exactly what to do, because we’ve done it before. And we’ll do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize, educate, and advocate. Our power has never come from an easy path.”
The Chairman’s Award has been given to several notable figures in the past, including former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis, and actress Ruby Dee.
