(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement on the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden and the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris.
“After a year unlike any other – one that challenged each and every American – today, we begin a new chapter. We join Americans nationwide in celebrating the resiliency of our democracy and an Administration committed to uniting and uplifting a nation deeply scarred by divisiveness, extremism, and a pandemic that rages on after already claiming the lives of more than 400,000 Americans.
“But today we feel hopeful. We are hopeful that we can get a life-saving vaccine to every American who still needs one. Hopeful that we can get much-needed assistance to the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy but struggling to make it to the other side of this pandemic. We are hopeful that we can answer the call of heroes like Congressman John Lewis and redeem the soul of America by seeking justice and equal opportunity for all and replacing extremist beliefs with compassion and empathy. We are hopeful that with the support of the most diverse and inclusive cabinet in American history, we can ensure every American has the tools they need to succeed – what we in DC call a Fair Shot. And, finally, we are hopeful that we can fulfill the long overdue promise of democracy to generations of Washingtonians by making Washington, DC the 51st state.
“Today, the 712,000 residents of the District of Columbia welcome President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”