Celebrating Heritage
Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, is more than just a political figure. She’s a trailblazer, an inspiration, and, in her own quiet way, a curator of cultural legacy. Her fashion choices, often deliberate and symbolic, serve as a bridge between her powerful position and her roots in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. But Harris doesn’t just dress to impress; she dresses to express. Through her wardrobe, she honors the traditions of AKA and, by extension, speaks to the legacies of other sororities like Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. Let’s explore how Kamala Harris uses fashion as a vehicle for heritage and how others can follow suit, literally and figuratively.
The Signature Pearls
Anyone familiar with Kamala Harris knows about her love for pearls. These are not just any pearls; they are the emblem of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Since her days as a student at Howard University, where she joined AKA, pearls have been a part of her identity. For Harris, wearing pearls is a way to honor the women who came before her—the 20 founders, known as the “Twenty Pearls,” who established AKA in 1908.
Pearls signify elegance and strength, both qualities Harris embodies. They also connect her to a sisterhood that has supported and uplifted Black women for over a century. When Kamala Harris wears pearls, she’s not just making a fashion statement. She’s making a statement of solidarity, of unity, of heritage. For AKA members, adorning oneself with pearls is a way to channel that same legacy, to wear a piece of history that reminds them of their shared journey and collective strength.
Power Suits with a Purpose
Kamala Harris’s wardrobe is not just about accessories; it’s also about the silhouette. The power suit—a staple in Harris’s wardrobe—has become synonymous with her image. While suits are often seen as symbols of authority and professionalism, for Harris, they are also symbols of empowerment. Her choice of crisp suits, often in bold colors, is a nod to the AKA tradition of excellence.
But the influence doesn’t stop with AKA accessories. Harris’s choice of red suits, for example, has resonated with members of Delta Sigma Theta. Red, the color of DST, symbolizes courage and action, traits that Harris exhibits in her political career. By embracing such colors, Harris demonstrates how fashion can be a form of homage, a way to acknowledge the values of different sororities while standing firmly on her own.
For members of AKA, DST, ZPB, and SGRHO, the lesson is clear: the right outfit can be more than just clothing. It can be armor, a badge of honor, a declaration of identity. Choosing to wear a power suit in your sorority’s colors, or with a certain cut that exudes confidence, is a way to walk in the footsteps of those who have paved the way. It’s a way to say, “I am here, and I carry my heritage with pride.”
More Than Meets the Eye
Color is a powerful tool in Kamala Harris’s sartorial arsenal. Each shade she wears carries weight and meaning, often reflecting the ideals of her sorority or the causes she supports. For example, Harris frequently opts for pink and green—the colors of AKA—in her attire, subtly yet powerfully reaffirming her connection to the sorority.
But her use of color extends beyond AKA. When she wears blue, she taps into the ethos of Zeta Phi Beta, a sorority founded on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. Blue is a color of calm and wisdom, and Harris’s choice to wear it at key moments in her career signals her alignment with those values.
For members of these sororities, color can be an equally powerful expression of heritage. Wearing your sorority’s colors isn’t just about showing affiliation; it’s about embodying the principles those colors represent. Whether it’s a blue dress for ZPB, a red blouse for DST, or a gold scarf for SGRHO, color can be a form of non-verbal communication, a way to carry your sorority’s ideals with you wherever you go.
Small Details, Big Impact
Kamala Harris’s fashion doesn’t rely solely on clothing; her accessories often speak just as loudly. In addition to her iconic pearls, she often wears brooches, scarves, and even certain styles of shoes that add layers of meaning to her outfits. These accessories are more than just embellishments; they are symbols, each with its own story.
Take, for example, Harris’s choice of brooches. Often, these small pins carry significant meaning, whether it’s a nod to her family’s history or a subtle reference to the causes she champions. Similarly, a scarf in her sorority’s colors or a pair of shoes that echo the style of AKA’s founders can serve as a quiet tribute to her heritage.
For sorority members looking to honor their traditions through fashion, accessories offer endless possibilities. A ZPB keychain, an SGRHO bracelet, or a DST paraphernalia scarf can be more than just sorority paraphernalia. They can be daily reminders of the sisterhoods you belong to, of the shared history and values you carry. These small items, when chosen with care, can make a big impact, allowing you to wear your heritage with pride.
Blending
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kamala Harris’s fashion sense is her ability to blend tradition with modernity. She doesn’t just stick to the old ways; she reinterprets them, making them relevant for today. This is evident in her choice of contemporary designers who align with her values, as well as her willingness to mix traditional sorority colors and symbols with modern cuts and styles.
For sorority members, this is an important lesson. Tradition doesn’t have to mean outdated. By blending the old with the new, you can create a look that honors your heritage while also being fresh and contemporary. Whether it’s pairing a vintage AKA pin with a modern blazer or combining a classic DST red dress with cutting-edge accessories, the possibilities are endless.
Wearing Heritage with Pride
Kamala Harris has shown that fashion can be a powerful tool for honoring heritage. Through her thoughtful choices in clothing and accessories, she carries the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha with her, while also acknowledging the broader sorority community. Her example is a reminder that what we wear can be more than just a style statement; it can be a statement of identity, of values, of history.
For members of AKA, DST, ZPB, and SGRHO, following Harris’s lead means embracing your heritage in every aspect of your wardrobe. Whether it’s through the colors you choose, the accessories you wear, or the way you carry yourself in a power suit, fashion can be a way to celebrate who you are and where you come from. So the next time you’re getting dressed, think of Kamala Harris and ask yourself: How can I wear my heritage today?
