Recognizing the teachable moments for girls to see the Presidential inauguration and swearing-in ceremony for the highest ranking woman in United States government, Detroit mother and entrepreneur Alison Vaughn hosted a TV watch party of this historic event for her daughter and six of her friends. Vaughn explained, “If not for the pandemic, I would have invited more girls.”
The party colors were red, white, and blue. Vaughn gifted each girl a t-shirt that included the phrase “I Could Be Next,” a bobblehead of the Vice President, and a copy of Vice President Kamala Devi Harris’ children’s book Superheroes Are Everywhere. Ice cream, President Joe Biden’s favorite treat, was also served.
Oohs and aahs were the language of the day as the girls, ages 9 to 11, watched this historic event. “When Vice President Harris raised her hand to take the oath of office, without prompting, the girls also raised their hands. I was almost brought to tears,” Vaughn confessed.
Oohs and aahs were the language of the day as the girls, ages 9 to 11, watched this historic event. “When Vice President Harris raised her hand to take the oath of office, without prompting, the girls also raised their hands. I was almost brought to tears,” Vaughn confessed.
Alison Vaughn is the Founder and CEO of Jackets for Jobs (JFJ) — which was established to honor her sister’s memory. It provides clothing to women in preparation for job interviews and work. “My sister Cheryl and I had different mothers. After our father died, it was 20 years before we saw each other again. Sitting on my aunt’s porch, I asked her what she had been doing. She said, ‘I’m dying from cancer.’ Six months later, while helping with funeral arrangements, I learned that she spent years on welfare. We had totally different lives. I attended Catholic schools and graduated college. Jackets for Jobs helps women like Cheryl change their situations. Women and girls need to believe that they can be heroes too.”