Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha celebrate as Senator Kamala Harris makes history

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Long before she became the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Senator Kamala Harris was a college student here in the District. In 1986, she and 37 other women were initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha at Howard University. They've been rooting for each other ever since.

"Watching Kamala's career progress over the years has been extremely awe-inspiring for me," said Carla Mannings, one of Harris's AKA line sisters. "At Howard, she was involved in many activities on campus for social justice. And to see the community service continuing today, she is still the same person from back in the 1980s."

As line sisters, she said they've also kept in touch over all those years.

"Since 1986, we actually have all stayed in touch with each other. We go on vacations together, and during homecoming, that's a very festive time of the year at Howard University," said Mannings.

ABC7 spoke to Mannings just a few hours before Harris' history-making moment, when she accepted the Democratic party's nomination for vice president.

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"This is a momentous occasion for black and brown young girls, young women, women my age, and even women older than myself," said Mannings. "I say that because in society we've been told over and over what we cannot do. So Kamala is showing the world, literally the world, what black and brown women can do."

Mannings, who lives in Maryland, watched Harris's speech with several of her line sisters who live in the DMV. Other AKA's and Howard alumni organized virtual watch parties.

"I'm just going to scream and shout, but first I'm going to pay attention to every single word that she says," said Mannings, when asked how she would react during Harris's speech.

That speech began just before 11 p.m.

"That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all," said Harris.

Harris also included a shout-out to Alpha Kappa Alpha, which is the oldest Black sorority in the country.

"Family is my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha, our Divine 9, and my HBCU brothers and sisters," said Harris.

Mannings said it's a proud moment for AKA's across the country, and especially those who know Harris personally and consider her a friend.

"To be the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States, it's just extremely exciting," she said. "It is inspiring to me and many others."