Langston University Students Reflect As Kamala Harris Makes History, Is Sworn In As VP

Students at Langston University said the election of Kamala Harris as the next vice president is truly inspiring.

Harris is a lady of many firsts. She's the first of a historically black Greek sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to serve as vice president of the U.S.

"We're breaking the glass ceiling because there's always been a man. There's never been a woman and she just goes to prove that that can all change. It just takes baby steps. It can take a while but it's doable," said Adonica Sumlin, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

She’s also the first historically black university (HBCU) graduate to become vice president. Harris attended Howard University in the early 80s.

Robert Couch is a student at Langston University. He considers the inauguration to be groundbreaking.

Couch said Harris is breaking down barriers for other HBCU students and people of color everywhere. He said HBCU schools usually get a bad rep.

"Going to a HBCU, we receive a lot of people telling us, 'Oh, you're education is devalued,' or 'why didn't you just go to a PWI (predominantly white institution)?' when the reality is we are just so, if not more so, prepared for the real world,” Couch said.

He said to see an HBCU graduate as the next vice president of the United States proves to him that he can do the same thing.

“You see your idols and you're like I can never be like them, then you see her going to an HBCU, pledging AKA, and you're like, 'I did that. I can become that as well,'” Couch said.