103-year-old Black woman recalls not being able to vote, now Kamala Harris is her VP

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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. And 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.”

103-year-old Laura Franklin, Source : ABC 11

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.