Social Justice
103-year-old Black woman recalls not being able to vote, now Kamala Harris is her VP
Laura Franklin of Houston turned 103-years-old on Inauguration Day, and said it was the best birthday ever.
When Laura Franklin was born, women couldn’t vote
The historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris meant so much for many people.
But, for one Texas woman, it was a full circle moment that brought tears to her eyes.
Laura Franklin of Houston turned 103-years-old on Inauguration Day, and said it was the best birthday ever.
When Franklin was born, women couldn’t vote. On Wednesday, she watched a woman sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States. Not only the first woman, but Harris is also the first Black and South Asian American to hold the position.
“It was so exciting,” said Franklin to ABC. “I have been excited from the minute I knew she had a chance. I followed her along, and I was so excited. I knew she could do it, but I wanted to be sure. I’m always up late, but I stayed awake until the last firework went off. I cheered and cheered and cheered because I was so proud of her.”
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia but later moved to Chicago, Franklin was a lab technician before she got into education, becoming an assistant principal.
She remembered how women and Black people were subjected to racism and discrimination during that time:
“I can remember the Ku Klux Klan. What was funny was they would not allow women to teach after they became pregnant and [started] showing. Some of the kids in the high school were more pregnant than the teachers were,” she explained.
Her secret to longevity while looking great? She said four ounces of red wine with dinner every night.
“I have had good care. I’m always taking good care of myself and I’m healthy. I don’t have any complaints, [and] nothing to worry about,” she said.
Franklin also told the outlet she remains positive, looking toward the future without looking back has been her life’s motto.
----------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Unheard Voices on X, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
Download the app on Google Play or ITunes.
----------------------------------------------------------
Unheard Voices Magazine is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
-
Business3 weeks ago
First black-owned movie theater in the DMV closes
-
Business3 weeks ago
GoFundMe started after black-owned biz IAmDad365 broken ino following denied grant
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks ago
Virginia landlord sentenced to 17 years for defrauding and harassing Black tenants
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks ago
GoFundMe launches verified fundraisers for victims of New Orleans Bourbon Street attack
-
Crime & Justice4 days ago
St. Louis police officers terminated for allegedly refusing to help dying man
-
In Memoriam3 weeks ago
Eddie Levert’s daughter passes after battle with Lupus
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks ago
Beloved Georgia mom and teacher killed by nephew on Christmas day
-
Culture3 weeks ago
U.S. Virgin Islands announces updated carnival schedule and Performance Line-up for 2024/2025 Crucian Christmas Festival