U.S. History

Kamala Harris To Be Sworn In By Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Harris, the first Black-South Asian woman to be elected as vice president, will be sworn in by Sotomayor, the first Latina woman on the Supreme Court.

Kamala Harris To Be Sworn In By Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Article by Antoinette Miller
SMS
January 17, 2021

As we approach Inauguration Day Wednesday, there's sure to be some history-making moments...including future Vice President Kamala Harris being sworn in by another groundbreaking woman in D.C.

Aides close to Harris tell ABC that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear Harris in as the 49th vice president of the United States. The means Sotomayor, the first Latina woman in the Supreme Court will join Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to be elected as vice president on the special day.

Harris will also swear on two Bibles for the ceremony. One of which belonged to Thurgood Marshall – the first Black man to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The other belonged to a family friend.

Harris has called Marshall one of her "greatest heroes" and has also favored Sotomayor as a critical voice on the bench who quote..."shows all our children what’s possible.” The incoming president is typically sworn in by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

The inauguration holds the theme of "America United" and is set for Wednesday January 20. 

Newsy is committed to keeping you informed on the latest developments as they unfold. Join us throughout the week for live, uninterrupted coverage of the swearing in of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris from the heart of Washington.