I often talk about what it means to be an elected black woman. That is the reality of what it means when you break through the concrete ceiling that has been in place for 100 years and become a “first.”

The fact that Kamala Harris is here now says it all. There is no doubt that in the course of her development, she was asked to double her abilities for half the credit. Time and again, she has broken down barriers, made history, and led with strength and humanity. She is uniquely special and uniquely qualified to be the next president of the United States.

It is deeply moving to imagine her onstage, poised to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first woman, the first black woman, and the first Indian American president.

Emotional because it is personal. Her story is the story of millions of people in America. We see ourselves reflected in her.

Like Kamala, I was raised by strong women and taught the words of Shirley Chisholm and Toni Morrison.

Like Kamala, I attended my first protests and community meetings in a stroller.

She and I have faced many of the same challenges and obstacles. As women blazing a trail in politics, we have been subjected to prejudice and misogyny. We know what it is like to have your victories identified as circumstances and your stumbles blamed on your character.

Like Kamala did, I met the love of my life, became a bonus mom (“momala” in her case), and was able to build a beautiful blended family.

She made history as the first woman of color to serve as California Attorney General and the second black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. I made history as the first black woman legislator in Massachusetts.

Like Kamala, my life and career have been defined by a fierce commitment to public service and an abiding belief in government as a force for good.

And like Camara, I have experienced many “firsts” and written a blueprint for someone else to survive, but I swear I will never be the last.

It is not surprising that the Republicans are already trying to weaponize her identity and call her the “DEI candidate.” It is a simple and predictable attack. Such prejudice and whistling is the tired playbook of a party whose policies have become dangerously and deeply unpopular.

Make no mistake, identity matters and representation is powerful. Ms. Camara is a woman of color. She is a loving Momala. She is Maya's sister and Doug's wife. She is also a former attorney general. A scholar. A senator who made history. And a sitting vice president. She is the first in the room and the last at the table when important decisions are made. In short, “representation” is just one of the many reasons why Vice President Harris is the most qualified person for this job and this moment.

At a time when reproductive rights are declining daily, Vice President Camara is a powerful champion and effective messenger for abortion justice, in vitro fertilization, and contraception. As a leading advocate for student debt cancellation, I truly believe that Camara has been an enthusiastic and responsive partner. We have collaborated on efforts to address the maternal health crisis, promote housing justice, demand paid family leave, and protect voting rights.

The presidential election has been rocked. Camara officially became the Democratic nominee. And in choosing educator, labor advocate, and reproductive freedom advocate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala once again demonstrated her leadership, judgment, and commitment to moving forward for our community.

Candidates are human beings, too, and must learn in public. As elected officials, we know that our strength lies in responsiveness and accountability. Candidate Camara is committed to earning the trust of voters who have felt that they do not see or hear the politics of the status quo.

The stakes in this election could not be clearer. And Vice President Harris has given us reason to hope.

Despite their empty and morally bankrupt promises of unity, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have made clear their agenda of attacking our most basic rights and freedoms.

In Donald Trump's America, women reading this article today, from Massachusetts to Mississippi, may be forced to abort unwanted pregnancies, even those resulting from rape or incest. Kamala is a champion of abortion justice.

In Donald Trump's America, housing prices continue to skyrocket while those who cannot afford to stay in their homes are put in jail. Kamala continues to work to end homelessness.

In Donald Trump's America, fossil fuel companies thrive while our babies suffer in cities that are too hot and ill-equipped to protect the most vulnerable from climate change. Kamala is a champion of the Green New Deal and will be the most pro-environmental justice president in history.

We have the opportunity to embrace a politics rooted in community, equity, and dignity. To leave our children and grandchildren a better world than the one we inherited.

Election Day is less than three months away. As a tribute to my late mother, for the future of my teenage daughter, and on behalf of all those who have been left behind and left out, I will fight to the death for a better future, with Vice President Harris leading the way.

Come on, let's go.