Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden made history on Aug. 11 when he announced Senator Kamala Harris of California as his running mate against President Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

Harris is the first Black woman of Indian descent to be nominated by a major political party for the national office. She has spent her whole life fighting injustice and is working hard to advocate for people unable to defend themselves.

Not only is her vice presidential nomination a monumental step for women in politics and women of color, but Harris has much to contribute to the betterment of America as well.

Harris is a politician and lawyer who was elected to the U.S Senate in 2016. She is a former Attorney General of California and San Francisco District Attorney. Harris was the first woman and African-American to fill the role of California’s Attorney General.

An important role in Harris’ new involvement in the presidential election race is her ethnic background. She has an Indian mother and a Jamaican father and identifies as a Black woman of Indian heritage.

From 2010 to 2019, the Black population in America increased from 12.6 percent to 13.4 percent, according to the Census Bureau. During this time, Census Bureau statistics show the total population of non-Hispanic Whites decreasing from 63.7 percent in 2010 to 60.1 percent in 2019.

With America becoming a more diverse country by the day, Harris is in the position to represent these changing demographics. She can further push new perspectives differing from the White men in our government as a woman of color and can speak on behalf of the diverse communities in America. Her voice can not be imitated by most people in our government – old White men.

Despite women outnumbering men in America, men still manage to outnumber women in elected offices. Representation of females has grown over the years, but still only a mere 23 percent of American government offices are represented by women. The lack of female representatives in the government does not fulfill the needs of women in America, with continued disputes over the gender wage gap and abortion rights.

Having more involvement from women in politics would provide a more insightful view regarding gender equality. Women need to be more equally represented in government, and Harris can bring the importance of her gender to the table.

Harris’ identity is not only what can help our nation grow, but also her strong opinions support those in need. For instance, an achievement of hers during her time as a district attorney was starting a program providing first-time drug offenders the opportunity to get a high school diploma and to find a job.

Through this, Harris shows her empathy and willingness to change someone’s life even after having made bad choices. Her victories for the American people don’t stop there.

When California was hit by the major foreclosure crisis from 2007 to 2010 when many homeowners were forced out of their homes, Harris managed to win a $26 billion settlement for all the homeowners. Harris was willing to fight for the rights of the people.

She just recently introduced a bill to Congress that would ensure underrepresented voices have a say in the fight against climate change. She also has helped protect LGBT rights, and is combating transnational criminal groups trafficking drugs, guns, and people.

Harris’s work in giving people what they need proves her to be a woman who knows right from wrong. She continually contributes to our nation by seeing a problem, finding a solution, and helping solve the problem.

Harris brings important viewpoints regarding people of color and women living in America from the position she’s in. Her nomination for vice president can result in her contributing much to American society and give a voice for people not represented enough in our government. This means American citizens have someone like us to represent us.

Harris’ place is a crucial one in acting as an ally to the unrepresented in a what’s become a more diverse America. Having Harris in this position now can only benefit America, and if she is able to further her contributions, America will be better for the people.