Kerry Washington found comfort in the presence of Kamala Harris’ great-nieces, Amara (8) and Leela (6), at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the 7th Annual Black Love Summit in Los Angeles on Saturday, Washington, 47, shared how the young girls not only calmed her nerves but also helped her pronounce their aunt’s name correctly.
Amara and Leela, daughters of Meena Harris and Nikolas Ajagu, are known for dressing like their aunt. They helped Washington prepare for her hosting duties at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago before Harris, 59, accepted the Democratic presidential nomination on August 22.
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“They’re so sweet. Those girls, they were great because they wanted to practice a hundred times. So backstage up until the moment we walked out, we were rehearsing again and again and again.”
“I thought they were wonderful. I thought they were wonderful and I think in many ways helped me to not be nervous,” the Scandal actress continued, adding, “I was so focused on being present for them that I didn’t have time to think about that insanely big crowd.”
During the DNC, Washington said, “It’s come to my attention that there are some folks who struggle, or pretend to struggle, with the proper pronunciation of our future president’s name.”
“Confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not,” the Little Fires Everywhere star told the audience.
To ensure everyone pronounced Harris’ name correctly, she introduced two special guests: Harris’ great-nieces, Amara, and her “little sister” Leela.
The young girls joined Washington on stage at Chicago’s United Artists Convention Center. Harris’ great-nieces helped the audience with her name’s pronunciation.
Amara suggested saying the first part of Harris’ name like “comma, in a sentence,” while Leela explained that the second part is said as “luh,” comparing it to singing a song.
“Put it together and it’s one, two, three…” Washington said while kneeling to be the same height as the sisters. The girls and Washington then shouted in unison, “Kamala!” before getting the audience involved; each side shouting half of the name.
After multiple “Comma-Luh” chants around the room, Washington then added, “For president!”
