Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her first TV appearance over the weekend in Pasadena, California, since leaving office. She was honored on Saturday evening at the 56th NAACP Image Awards for her public service.
Speaking at the event, Harris addressed the nation’s current political climate under President Donald Trump, pointing out that many Americans feel “the weight of history” upon them, as reported by Daily Mail.
Harris, dressed in an all-black suit, expressed gratitude to the audience for their “tireless advocacy and years of support” while accepting the NAACP Chairman’s Award. She noted that the honor held “very special meaning” for her.
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Harris said that Americans need to have a “sense of urgency“, adding: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. The price of liberty. To stay alert, to seek the truth, and to actively participate in the fight for America’s future,” she said as stars, such as Keke Palmer, Cynthia Erivo, Marlon Waynes, and more sat in the audience.
Reflecting on the NAACP’s history, the former Vice President drew parallels between the past and present, stating that many “rightly feel the weight of history” in this moment.
“Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again,” she said as the crowd cheered her on.
“We use our power, we organize, mobilize, we educate and we advocate. Because, you see, our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith. Faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction.”
Just before walking off stage, Harris sent one last message, adding: “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office, not by the wealthiest among us.”
“The American story will be written by you, written by us – by we the people,” she said as she got a standing ovation.
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Before receiving her NAACP Chairman’s Award, a video was played spotlighting Harris’ historic political career as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold office in the U.S. She previously served as California’s attorney general and a U.S. senator before becoming vice president.
Harris briefly led a 107-day campaign after Joe Biden unexpectedly exited the 2024 race, but ultimately, Trump returned to the White House on January 20.
Following her departure, Harris relocated to Los Angeles with her husband, Doug Emhoff, where she attended a Lakers game and surveyed the wildfire damage.
She also signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), joining a roster of top Hollywood stars like Beyoncé and Morgan Freeman.
Her agents will focus on securing speaking engagements and publishing opportunities.
“CAA will work closely with Harris on her post-White House initiatives, creating strategic opportunities that expand her platform in support of the issues she has championed throughout decades-long career in public service,” the agency said.
Harris is considering her next career move, including a potential run for California governor next year.
