(Democratic Convention) Kamala Harris salutes women of color who led the way

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris began her speech Wednesday night saying that her presence -- as the first Black woman and first person of Indian descent nominated for a major political party's ticket -- is "a testament to the dedication of generations before me," CNN reports.

Harris noted that women had earned the right to vote 100 years ago -- but that Black women faced a longer battle for voting rights.

"Without fanfare or recognition, they organized, testified, rallied, marched, and fought -- not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed," she said. "They paved the way for the trailblazing leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton."

She named several female civil rights and political leaders -- "Mary Church Terrell and Mary Mcleod Bethune. Fannie Lou Hamer and Diane Nash. Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisholm."

"We’re not often taught their stories," she said. "But as Americans, we all stand on their shoulders."-Photo: CNN