We begin this year's Black History Month on the heels of one of the most historic presidential inaugurations of our time. On January 20, 2021 we witnessed an unprecedented moment as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office. Harris shattered glass ceilings stepping into her new role as the country’s first female vice president, and also the first Black American and first person with Asian heritage in the nation’s second-highest office.
President Biden will also have the most diverse presidential Cabinet in American history, if all nominees are confirmed. More than half of his Cabinet would be people of color, and nearly half would be women. Notably, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge has been nominated for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Before serving in Congress, she made history as the first woman and first African American to be elected mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Congresswoman Deb Haaland, nominee for Secretary of the Interior, would also be the first Native American Cabinet secretary if confirmed.
As the new administration is getting settled in, there is no shortage of activity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis and continued impacts of systemic racism are urgent priorities, all of which disproportionately burden people of color. President Biden's plan for Black America strives to advance economic mobility of African Americans, address racial inequity in the education system, and invest in ending racial health disparities among other objectives. We look forward to working with the Administration, state and local partners toward our shared goal of creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
Over the coming weeks and months, HAND will be announcing exciting new tools and resources to support further education and the operationalizing of racial equity - so stay tuned! Enjoy this special edition of Racial Equity Fast Five, and we hope this month is an opportunity for learning, reflection and celebration!
