AKA and former VP Kamala Harris reminds Republicans that elephants protect the young and vulnerable
History-making Democratic presidential candidate gushes over elephant 'alert circle' at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
I know two women who have so many elephants in their homes that it looks like a ceramic safari store. In both homes, I stopped counting at 400 — separately. One woman passed away a couple of years ago, and she insisted that I get her entire collection. She claimed she wanted me to sell them, but I suspect she was hoping to make me a new elephant collector. (I already collect Peanuts figurines and a few dog mementos.)
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Political history fact: Former VP Kamala Harris earned more than 75 million votes in three months and has the third largest record of popular votes in U.S. history.
The latter woman was the first person who popped into my head while listening to former Vice President Kamala Harris speak at San Francisco’s Emerge Gala on Wednesday, April 30. During her speech, she brought up a video showing a group of elephants forming an "alert circle.” The herd was experiencing a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Southern California last week.
I have never been a fan of zoos, aquariums or circuses. I’m not thrilled with seeing animals put into a confined area for my viewing entertainment. So, I would’ve never watched this video if not for Harris bringing it up.
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As a kid, I went on a family outing to some kind of safari-like event, and I was scowling or crying in every single photo next to the elephants. It wasn’t because the animal was massive nor that memorable smell. I was just a little animal activist who later (in college) became a vegetarian. I used to try to find any excuse not to go on zoo and aquarium field trips. And if I did go, I’d spend the entire time in the gift shop or cafeteria for as long as possible.
Still, I’m clearly a supporter of Harris and was amused to hear a Democrat gushing over elephants. Oh, the irony. Plus, she’s an Alpha Kappa Alpha. (The Delta Sigma Thetas I know would be proud. Ironically, the two women mentioned above are not in the Divine Nine. One is an Eastern Star and in the Red Hat Society though.)
I finally gave in to my curiosity and watched the video. As much as I still loathe zoos, I have to admit my heart warmed at the sight of these elephants working together to protect the baby elephants. Elephants can use a combination of vocalizations, body language and seismic signals (vibrations from the ground) to communicate. It’s why it took them no time at all to form that alert circle.
This was a prime example of how effective communication and a strong bond does far more than just looking out for one’s self. And Harris made a point of reminding her supporters and voters to not fall apart even when challenges keep presenting themselves to us that could easily result in division.
Harris had plenty to say about the current Trump administration and why we have to continue to be courageous in the worst moments of defeat. But what stood out to me more was how she was in a way better mood than I was while watching this video. Even during her campaign, she is serious about protecting her joy — including learning the Boots on the Ground dance while she was out and about. (It wasn’t as cute as this adorable girl in the camouflage outfit, but it was pretty fun to watch.)
While I may doomscroll on a regular basis, I must admit that watching the latter three videos (on top of being excited any time Harris has a speaking event) did give me a positive energy boost. Sometimes, you need to protect your brain and heart the way these elephants protect each other to stay sane in 100 days of horrendous behavior at the White House. Alert circle note taken and received!
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Thanks for reading!