From Left: Kerry Washington; and Kamala Harris.Photo:Al Drago/Getty; David Paul Morris/Getty
Al Drago/Getty; David Paul Morris/Getty
Kamala Harris' great-nieces helped calmKerry Washington’s nerves as they made a joint appearance at theDemocratic National Conventionin Chicago in August.While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the 7th Annual Black Love Summit in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 12, Washington, 47, recalledtaking the stage with Harris’ great-nieces, Amara, 8, and Leela, 6, who helped explain how to pronounce their aunt’s name.The girls — whoregularly dress like their aunt— are thedaughters of Meena Harris(who is Kamala’s niece) and her husband, Nikolas Ajagu.Washington — who hosted the evening’s events in the lead-up to Harris, 59,accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for presidenton Aug. 22 — said of the special moment, “They’re so sweet. Those girls, they were great because they wanted to practice a hundred times. So backstage up until the moment we walked out, we were rehearsing again and again and again.“Kerry Washington (center) with Kamala Harris' great-nieces Leela and Amara at the DNC on Aug. 22, 2024.Saul Loeb/Getty"I thought they were wonderful. I thought they were wonderful and I think in many ways helped me to not be nervous,” theScandalactress continued, adding, “I was so focused on being present for them that I didn’t have time to think about that insanely big crowd.“During the DNC, Washington said, “It’s come to my attention that there are some folks who struggle, or pretend to struggle, with the proper pronunciation of our future president’s name.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.TheLittle Fires Everywherestar added, “So hear me out: Confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not,”Insisting she would “help everyone get it right,” Washington then said, “Here to help me are some very special guests,” as the two young girls — who introduced themselves as Amara and “her little sister” Leela — joined her on the stage at Chicago’s United Artists Convention Center.Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19, 2024.Kevin Dietsch/GettyAmara said the best way to say the first part of Harris' name was to say “comma, like a comma in a sentence,” as Leela explained how the second half was said like “luh,” comparing it to singing a song.“Put it together and it’s one, two, three…” Washington said while kneeling to be the same height as the sisters. The girls and Washington then shouted in unison, “Kamala!” before getting the audience involved; each side shouting half of the name.After multiple “Comma-Luh” chants around the room, Washington then added, “For president!”
Kamala Harris' great-nieces helped calmKerry Washington’s nerves as they made a joint appearance at theDemocratic National Conventionin Chicago in August.
While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the 7th Annual Black Love Summit in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 12, Washington, 47, recalledtaking the stage with Harris’ great-nieces, Amara, 8, and Leela, 6, who helped explain how to pronounce their aunt’s name.
The girls — whoregularly dress like their aunt— are thedaughters of Meena Harris(who is Kamala’s niece) and her husband, Nikolas Ajagu.
Washington — who hosted the evening’s events in the lead-up to Harris, 59,accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for presidenton Aug. 22 — said of the special moment, “They’re so sweet. Those girls, they were great because they wanted to practice a hundred times. So backstage up until the moment we walked out, we were rehearsing again and again and again.”
Kerry Washington (center) with Kamala Harris' great-nieces Leela and Amara at the DNC on Aug. 22, 2024.Saul Loeb/Getty
Saul Loeb/Getty
“I thought they were wonderful. I thought they were wonderful and I think in many ways helped me to not be nervous,” theScandalactress continued, adding, “I was so focused on being present for them that I didn’t have time to think about that insanely big crowd.”
During the DNC, Washington said, “It’s come to my attention that there are some folks who struggle, or pretend to struggle, with the proper pronunciation of our future president’s name.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
TheLittle Fires Everywherestar added, “So hear me out: Confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not,”
Insisting she would “help everyone get it right,” Washington then said, “Here to help me are some very special guests,” as the two young girls — who introduced themselves as Amara and “her little sister” Leela — joined her on the stage at Chicago’s United Artists Convention Center.
Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19, 2024.Kevin Dietsch/Getty
Kevin Dietsch/Getty
Amara said the best way to say the first part of Harris' name was to say “comma, like a comma in a sentence,” as Leela explained how the second half was said like “luh,” comparing it to singing a song.
“Put it together and it’s one, two, three…” Washington said while kneeling to be the same height as the sisters. The girls and Washington then shouted in unison, “Kamala!” before getting the audience involved; each side shouting half of the name.
After multiple “Comma-Luh” chants around the room, Washington then added, “For president!”
source: people.com