Storm players speak on what it means for Kamala Harris to become Vice President

Kamala Harris becomes the first woman of African American and South Asian descent to be elected as the Vice President of the United States.

Back in August, shortly after former Vice President Joe Biden had made his announcement that Senator Kamala Harris would be his running mate for the Democratic ticket in the 2020 Presidential Election, I spoke to Alysha Clark and Jewell Loyd on what it would mean to them to have Kamala Harris become the first African American and South Asian woman elected as the next Vice President of the United States.

Now that multiple news networks have officially called the Election in favor of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris I wanted to look back at what they said.

Jewell Loyd, “I think it’s super important. I think it’s vital for the kids growing up to see a black woman that has recognition, a black woman who could easily be in the White House as the Vice President. Obviously, we had the Obamas. When you’re growing up, you want to see people who look like you in powerful positions. And for my niece and nephew, to know that an African American has the chance to do that again is very powerful!”

Alysha Clark, “It’s super important because we always talk about representation is important, right? To have an African American woman in the Vice Presidency, it’s similar to when Barack became President. Little African American boys and girls saw themselves in who represents the country in those higher leadership positions. It’ll just be an inspiration to little boys and girls everywhere, especially African American boys and girls to see that it is possible. Anything is possible in this country. That’s what we’re out here fighting for. It’s to make sure those opportunities for our communities are available and are there.”

Both players talked about that representation and how important that is to them and for the younger generations growing up. That it is a huge deal to see a woman and a person of color in the highest position of power as part of the Presidential ticket that will come into power on January 20th, 2021.

WNBA players, like Jewell Loyd and Alysha Clark, are role models in their own right. They represent Seattle as Professional Athletes, they represent their communities, their home towns, and they represent little girls all over the country.

Little girls dressed up as Alysha Clark and Sue Bird for Halloween just a few days ago and that’s a big deal. They are heroes for little girls because they represent those girls and women because they look like them. Whether they are black or white, gay or straight. That representation is so important!

Now that Kamala Harris is the Vice President-Elect of the United States, little girls and young women around the world will learn and will come to know that they can be anything they want to be in this country. Whether that’s a professional basketball player or the President/Vice President of the United States.

Impact of the WNBA

The Seattle Storm and the WNBA as a whole were absolute leaders this year when it came to social justice, racial justice, and getting involved in voter’s rights. From putting Breonna Taylor’s name on the back of their jerseys all season long, to refusing to talk to media on opening day unless it was about Breonna Taylor. As a member of the media, that really stood out to me. It’s one thing to say you’re for social justice, but their actions were loud and clear. They were impactful!

WNBA players brought social injustice to the forefront this season. Police brutality, especially against the African American community has plagued our country for far too long. The deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd led to protests throughout the country this year. And the league’s players and teams made sure to get that message out not just once or twice but throughout the entire WNBA season. They used their platform for more than just basketball. A far cry from “Shut up and Dribble” that some politicians had said in the past to basketball players speaking up for their communities.

But it wasn’t all about social injustice. It was also about encouraging people to get out and vote this year. To make their communities aware that they can make a difference in our country. Sue Bird was one of the main players behind the “Vote Warnock!” T-shirts that several WNBA players wore inside of the Wubble during WNBA games this season in support of Reverend Raphael Warnock who was vying for a Senate seat in Georgia. Reverend Warnock has advanced to a special runoff contest that will take place in early January in Georgia and can help the Democrats flip the senate if he is elected.

Breanna Stewart was also added to the WNBA’s Social Justice Council this season. The council was led by Layshia Clarendon of the New York Liberty. Stewart was the only white player added to the council and took that responsibility very seriously. Stewart, one of the league’s most popular players used her large platform to speak on the social justice and race issues that our country faces throughout the season. Using her platform for the betterment of our world.

Several WNBA teams encouraged their fans to get out and vote this election season. The Storm were one of those teams. And in somewhat of an uncommon move, the 4-time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm actually endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris prior to the November election. You can read more about that here: The Seattle Storm endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the President of the United States.

On and off the court this season, the Storm organization and its players were true Champions!