Photo Credit:Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Kerry Washington enlisted some special helpers to teach the proper pronunciation of Vice President Kamala Harris' name during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22. The 47-year-old actress, who had earlier reunited with her Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn, took the stage with Harris' great-nieces, Amara and Leela, to demonstrate.
Addressing the crowd, Washington highlighted the ongoing issue: "It’s come to my attention that some people struggle—or pretend to struggle—with the correct pronunciation of our future president’s name," she said, referring to Harris, 59, who was accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for president. "Confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not."
After a pause for applause, Washington promised to help everyone get it right. She then introduced her special guests, Amara Ajagu and her younger sister, Leela Ajagu, who walked onstage, one in a pastel pink pantsuit and the other in a baby blue dress.
"We're here to teach you how to say our auntie's name," the girls said. Amara explained that the first part of Harris' name is pronounced "comma," like the punctuation mark. Leela added that the second part is "luh," similar to singing a musical scale. The audience cheered as Washington kneeled to match the girls' height.
"Put it together and you get—" Washington paused, allowing the girls to join in, "Kamala!" The audience then practiced pronouncing "Kamala" with Amara leading one side in saying "Comma" and Leela leading the other in saying "Luh." The room echoed with chants of "Comma-Luh," to which Washington added, "for president!"
Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, appeared to enjoy the demonstration, mouthing "how cute" to those nearby.
Though Washington didn’t call out anyone specifically, her lesson came a week after Republican Rep. Nancy Mace made headlines for repeatedly mispronouncing Harris’ first name during a CNN appearance.
