Cleveland, Ohio: Inspired by the meaning of Vice President Kamala Harris’ first name, a local teacher and author Anna Gregory decided to write and publish her first children’s book, “Lotus the Vice POTUS.”
The name “Kamala” translates to “lotus” in Sanskrit. The flower grows underwater and blooms above the surface.
Published under Gregory’s pen name Nikki Gregory, “Lotus the Vice POTUS” shows how Harris bloomed into the highest-ever ranked woman in American politics. The storybook follows Harris’ childhood, education and career, which led her to inauguration as Vice President in January 2021.
“Even powerful leaders were once children,” Gregory said. “It really is told from the perspective of watching Lotus having dreams, having aspirations, just being an advocate for others, and also mirroring and telling the story of some of the history of Kamala D. Harris embedded there.”
Anna has worked as a teacher for the past 17 years, working as the Literacy Lead of Roxboro Middle School
Anna teamed up with illustrator Dessiree Perez for the book’s art. “To team up with another woman of color, I think it was truly a dynamic experience for us to have together,” Anna said. “To be able to share the story of a woman of color I thought was a great triangle.”
The goal of “Lotus the Vice POTUS,” Anna said, is to educate readers about Harris’ history, and to help kids dream big. (source: cleveland.com)
