This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Angelenos Celebrate Kamala Harris As Vice President-Elect
Christine and Kyra Rodriguez stand on the outskirts of an election celebration rally on Saturday November 7, 2020. (Aaron Schrank/LAist.com)
Angelenos were out in force Saturday reacting to the presidential election results, and many were celebrating California's Sen. Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to become the vice president-elect.
One of these was Pastor Thembekila Crystal Coleman Smart, who led more than one thousand marchers from Pershing Square to Los Angeles City Hall to celebrate the election victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Harris. She said the California senator's vice-presidential win means a lot to her.
"She’s a Black woman," Smart said. "She represents me. She represents women of color, young and old. And so I have hope that even seeing her will give those that have lost hope, those who have let their dreams go by the wayside, they will say ‘everything is possible.’"
Christine Rodriguez brought her 17-year-old daughter with her to the march. She said she has that same hope about Harris.
"Just inspiring and amazing," Rodriguez said. "She’s biracial, I’m biracial. She’s a person of color, I’m a person of color. To see somebody like her in the White House, is, I think something everyone can celebrate."
Harris, who was born in Oakland, is the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica and India.
Sponsored message
The Associated Press, NPR and other news outlets called the election for Biden on Saturday, four days after the election, after Biden won Pennsylvania, bringing his Electoral College votes past the 270 that he needed to win the presidency.
Biden's win makes President Donald Trump the first president since 1992 to lose a reelection bid.
READ MORE:
- Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
- Fireworks, Rainbows And Pot-Banging: Here's How LA Is Reacting To A Biden-Harris Win
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
