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NAACP chapters of PA, Wilkes-Barre react to historic inauguration day

Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to take the oath for the office of the Vice President.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — As the nation saw its 46th president be sworn into office in Washington, D.C., many in the country were focused on the woman in this inauguration that will be a part of our country's history.

Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to take the oath for the office of the Vice President.

Newswatch 16 got reactions to Harris's historic moment from the NAACP for the chapter in Wilkes-Barre as well as the one for the state of Pennsylvania.

“It gave me hope, I'm a new president in this position, and it just gives me hope that the future is bright,” said Jimel Calliste, the president for the NAACP Wilkes-Barre #2036.

"Well, obviously, we were incredibly proud to see Vice President Kamala Harris get sworn in, and we were also very hopeful,” said Kenneth Huston, the president of the Pennsylvania NAACP.

Both men agree Wednesday's inauguration comes as a relief after seeing rioters storm the capitol on January 6.

“For me, it was transformational, motivational to say the least. To see Vice President Harris and the transfer of power to be so peaceful,” said Calliste.

“It was refreshing and hopeful for us to see the transfer of power and democracy in true form,” said Huston.

And it was another African American woman at the inauguration grabbing attention for her historic role.

Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever Youth Poet Laureate, delivered the inaugural poem.

Remica Bingham-Risher with Wilkes University's creative writing program says Gorman overcame many obstacles, including a speech impediment, to become the powerful speaker she is today.

“In addition to her being an African American student, in addition to her growing up in a single-parent home,” said Bingham-Risher. “Thinking deeply about the historical implications about what it means to be an African American woman, wrestling with the word. I mean, she's just hitting all kinds of boxes; you know she's a fantastic young lady."

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