In the third episode of "100 Days of Kamala," host Priya David Clemens engages in a thoughtful and detailed conversation with June Williams Glenn, a manager for legal content at Google and the founder of Mahogany Mamas, a community dedicated to supporting black moms in the Bay Area. June shares her compelling journey from Oakland to Washington D.C. and back, driven by her desire to support Kamala Harris's Senate campaign.
June begins by recounting her early years in Oakland, where her aspirations and conversations with her mother steered her towards a career in law. Inspired by Kamala Harris, who was then the District Attorney of San Francisco, June found a role model she could relate to. She details her decision to attend Howard University School of Law and pursue a career as a prosecutor, influenced by Harris’s pioneering example.
A significant turning point in June's story is her decision to leave her established career in D.C. to support Harris’s Senate campaign in California. She shares the challenges and uncertainties she faced in making this leap of faith, volunteering for an unpaid position. June provides an honest reflection on the personal and professional impacts of this decision, highlighting both the risks and rewards.
An important conversation in this episode centers on black maternal health, an issue June became deeply passionate about through her work with Kamala Harris. She discusses the tragic story of Kira Johnson, who died during childbirth due to inadequate medical care, and the broader maternal health crisis facing black women in America. June highlights Harris' legislative efforts to address these issues, including the introduction of the "Momnibus" package of bills, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for black women.
June also shares personal anecdotes and insights from her time working with Kamala Harris, including memorable moments from the campaign trail and her observations on Harris’s leadership style and approach to advocacy. She reflects on Harris’s intentional focus on community engagement and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Join us for this in-depth and nuanced discussion as June Williams Glenn provides a unique perspective on Kamala Harris’ journey, the challenges faced, and the impact of her work on individuals and communities. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of political campaigns and the importance of representation and advocacy in addressing critical issues.