On January 20, President Joe Biden officially took office, hoping to steer the country toward peace and civility. The groundbreaking inauguration can give us hope for security and democracy in our country. 

When Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn into office January 20, she made history as the first woman and first woman of color to assume the duties of Vice President. Harris’s mother is from India and her father is from Jamaica. 

Harris has now broken multiple barriers; she was the first Black woman to serve as California’s attorney general and the second Black woman elected to the Senate in 2016.  

Women, especially women of color, have suffered from lack of representation throughout American history. Harris’s election fights back against injustice and negative stereotypes. 

In an era of political polarization, the inaugurations also highlighted the collaboration between three former presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, who filmed a video at the Arlington National Cemetery that called for peace, unity, and a peaceful transfer of power. 

The video also projects bipartisan unity to support the peaceful transfer of power, with former President Trump’s continued allegations of massive election fraud. Previous administrations worked together project strength and unity. 

Biden also made history by addressing the disunity America has endured over the last four years, and he offered ways to fix “the soul of the nation.”  He spoke about the attack on the Capital, which took place two weeks prior to his taking office and threatened the security of his inauguration. He also invoked the resiliency of America and our democracy, saying, “And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”  

Biden’s speech was so powerful, in fact, that right-learning FOX News anchor Chris Wallace said, “I think this was the best inaugural speech I’ve ever heard.”  

The nation also stood transfixed by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, who at 22, was the youngest person to recite an original poem, “The Hill We Climb,” during a Democrat’s inauguration. She talked about the future of America, what our country should be, and how we should “be the light.” 

“A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce but free,” Gorman also said.

So, why is this inauguration so important to learn about?  

As we learn about the evils of history in School— especially in a year of such division, sorrow, and uncertainty—we should also shine a spotlight on positive, transformative occasions. This inauguration is the perfect place to begin.