Kamala Harris in the middle, her husband and Second Gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff at the left, and Desiree Peterkin Bell at the right
As a Black woman, small business owner, and advocate for reproductive rights, my support for Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency is rooted in both personal experience and a broader understanding of what leadership can—and should—look like in America today. In many ways, Harris represents the kind of bold, inclusive leadership we need in a time of great division and challenge.
Championing Small Businesses
As the CEO of DPBell & Associates, I understand firsthand the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship, especially for small businesses owned by women of color. Access to capital, fair treatment in the marketplace, and economic opportunities have often felt like distant goals for Black-owned businesses, particularly in the global public affairs sector.
Vice President Harris has demonstrated a keen understanding of these challenges, championing policies that are designed to level the playing field for small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities. Her support for the Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic and her advocacy for expanding minority-owned business access to federal contracts showcase her commitment to small businesses.
Under a Harris administration, I believe entrepreneurs like me will have a greater voice and more opportunities to grow and thrive.
Reproductive Rights and Empowerment
As a Black woman, supporting reproductive rights is not just about political alignment—it’s about autonomy, dignity, and the right to make decisions about my own body. Kamala Harris has long been a staunch advocate for protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care, and her leadership is more critical than ever as we face an unprecedented wave of challenges to these rights across the country.
The erosion of reproductive rights is deeply intertwined with racial and economic inequalities. Black women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by restrictive abortion laws, limited access to healthcare, and systemic inequalities in the medical system. Vice President Harris’ unwavering support for reproductive justice and her commitment to addressing maternal mortality in Black and Brown communities signal that she understands the urgency of this issue.
Her leadership gives me confidence that she will fight for policies that protect women’s health and ensure that we all have the right to make the choices that are best for us.
Representation That Matters
Representation matters in ways that are sometimes hard to quantify but are always deeply felt. Kamala Harris is the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian-American woman to serve as Vice President. Her presence on the national stage, and now her run for the presidency, is a powerful reminder that the highest levels of leadership are within reach for women like me—and for all women of color who have historically been overlooked or marginalized in politics and business.
Harris has shattered ceilings, and her candidacy offers a blueprint for what’s possible when barriers are broken. Her experience as a prosecutor, senator, and Vice President gives her a unique perspective on the challenges our country faces, and her vision for the future is one that includes all of us—especially those who have been left behind for too long.
A Future with Kamala Harris
Supporting Kamala Harris for President is about believing in a future where Black women, entrepreneurs, and advocates for justice have a seat at the table. It’s about ensuring that our voices are heard and that our issues are prioritized. Kamala Harris understands the intersection of race, gender, and economic opportunity in a way that few other candidates have, and I believe her leadership will make a tangible difference in the lives of everyday Americans. In Harris, I see a champion for the issues I care most deeply about: equity, opportunity, and justice.
As a small business owner and a Black woman who advocates for reproductive rights, I proudly support Kamala Harris for President. She represents a future where we all have the chance to thrive, and I am ready to work toward that vision with her.
The post Desiree Peterkin Bell: Why I Support Vice President Kamala Harris for President appeared first on The American Reporter.
