This 11-Year-Old's Kamala Harris Costume Is a Testament to the Power of Representation

"Mom, let's play Vice President!" Grateful that my 11yr old sees herself represented on the political stage. @KamalaHarris #KamalaHarris #BidenHarris @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/SRJlJRmUKb

— Erinn Harley (@ErinnFHarley) October 6, 2020

While it's not quite Halloween yet, one mom and her daughter commenced celebrations a little early: in honour of her role model, 11-year-old Celeste dressed up as vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris earlier this month. In a tweet that has since gone viral with over 700,000 views, Virginia mom Erinn Harley-Lewis shared a video of her daughter strutting down their driveway, wearing the senator's signature pearls, dark blue blazer, and heels — and we have to say, Celeste nailed it.

When Erinn asked her daughter if "Senator Harris" had a few words to say, in a sweet moment, Celeste said, "I do. When I become vice president, I want to help all of the American people. I want to deliver healthcare for all, equality and justice under the law." Erinn shared with POPSUGAR that while filming the video, she had realised just how closely her daughter, who was so proud when she declared she looked like Kamala, had been "observing and listening to Senator Harris over the past several months."

The inspiring costume even caught the attention of the vice presidential candidate herself, who encouraged Celeste to "keep leading." "I was grateful that Celeste sees herself in Senator Harris and feels represented in American leadership," Erinn told POPSUGAR. "Representation is important because it empowers young women, especially our young women of colour, to believe that they can achieve the goals that they set for themselves. I say 'thank you' to Senator Harris for inspiring and empowering Celeste."

She has my vote. Tell her to keep leading.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 7, 2020