Sheer jubilation poured onto the streets of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Back at home I witnessed my neighbor and her girlfriend embrace. A clear expression of relief could be seen on their faces.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the 2020 Presidential Election. After a long, tumultuous campaign and a seemingly longer amount of time we had to wait for the results, all major media outlets projected the two had won by virtue of winning the stage of Pennsylvania.

Biden’s career has spanned a half-century, serving in Congress to, most recently, vice president under President Obama. Harris has had quite the career as well, serving as Attorney General of California as well as the United States Senate. Moreover, Harris becomes not only the first woman elected as vice president but also the first black person and first person of Indian descent to hold the office as well.

I’ve shared this story previously, but I’ll never forget attending an event with Joe and Dr. Jill Biden a couple of years ago, hosted by Guilford College. The event featured an audience Q&A in which my question was not only asked of the – now – President-Elect but he answered it in a personal way. Making for a lifelong memory.

When I learned of the news on Saturday, I teared up. I thought of folks like my neighbor. My brothers and sisters who have to deal with systemic racism. Families being separated and children unjustly detained in cages at the border. Folks like my mother, who have to worry about preexisting conditions affecting their healthcare.

We all had a choice in this election. My firm belief and trust are in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to help our country fight the COVID-19 pandemic, build back our economy, bring back character and empathy to the White House, and move the U.S. onto a positive trajectory for the future. Of course, this does not mean that I will stop holding all political representatives accountable. We all have a responsibility to do that.

But for now, I’m going to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate this outstanding accomplishment for Biden and Harris. Congratulations to the both of you!

Photo Courtesy: John Silliman via Unsplash