Business
Rep. Barbara Lee Welcomes Kamala Harris Back to Oakland for First Time as VP
“I was honored to welcome back a daughter of Oakland and Berkeley, and a woman warrior for equality and justice, Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Lee. “I had tears in my eyes watching Air Force 2 land at the airport in Oakland. She brings us hope and shows us the American dream is real. It is so inspiring for young people in this community, and frankly for everyone else here, to see her in the White House helping lead our country through this very difficult time.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris back to her hometown of Oakland on Monday for the first time since taking the office of the vice presidency.
Lee greeted Vice President Harris on the tarmac of Oakland International Airport alongside Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.
They traveled to Red Door Catering, a local business that prepares fresh, local ingredients for diverse events and dining experiences. While there, they discussed the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses and the importance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Notably, Red Door Catering received both financial and technical support from two Bay Area Community Development Financial Institutions: Action Opportunity Fund and ICA.
“I was honored to welcome back a daughter of Oakland and Berkeley, and a woman warrior for equality and justice, Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Lee. “I had tears in my eyes watching Air Force 2 land at the airport in Oakland. She brings us hope and shows us the American dream is real. It is so inspiring for young people in this community, and frankly for everyone else here, to see her in the White House helping lead our country through this very difficult time.
“I thank Vice President Harris for her leadership helping small businesses, especially in communities hit hardest by this pandemic. It was a privilege to have her travel to our community today to lift up the important role of CDFIs as an economic engine for businesses and communities like ours. CDFIs are not just about access to capital – they are also about economic justice for people and communities that have long been denied equal opportunities.
“The vice president also has been a great partner to Congressional Democrats as we worked to pass the American Rescue Plan, which invests $60 billion in our nation’s small businesses.
“This is just the beginning of what we have to do to rebuild our economy, address economic and racial disparities, and respond to the other major challenges facing our country. I look forward to continuing to work with Vice President Harris and the Biden Administration to build back bolder.”
Alex Katz is a district communications manager in Barbara Lee’s office.
