The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris today (January 20) marks a historic occasion in the nation’s history. Harris will become the first Black and South Asian and woman to take office of the Vice President. She’s also the first graduate of an HBCU to hold this position.
Her alma mater, Howard University, will be represented throughout the day, with the school’s Showtime Marching Band giving Harris a proper welcome to office.
To celebrate these achievements and the unrelenting energy of organizers and voting rights advocates across the country who helped deliver Biden’s victory, several Black leaders will take part in the inauguration ceremony.
Biden will be joined by former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, who arrived at the Capitol along with other VIPs. A number of the Black Congress members are expected to be in attendance at the ceremony as well.
During the ceremony, Georgia Fire Captain, Andrea Hall will be leading the pledge of allegiance. Hall is the first Black woman firefighter to serve as captain in the city of South Fulton.
Twenty-two-year-old Amanda Gorman will be the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration. Gorman is a native of Los Angeles, California and is a graduate of Harvard University.
The Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman will deliver the inauguration benediction. The Delaware pastor has known Biden for nearly 30 years and told NBC News he “was honored” to be asked to join in the ceremony.
Following the official ceremony, several events will take place, including what the Biden team called a “Parade Across America” a virtual event to celebrate the 46th President safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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