Excerpts from Kamala Harris' speech

Congressman John Lewis, before his passing, wrote: "Democracy is not a state. It is an act." And what he meant was that America's democracy is not guaranteed. It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it and never take it for granted. • And when our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America. • You chose hope, unity, decency, science, and, yes, truth. You chose Joe Biden as the next President of the United States of America. • We are so grateful to Joe and Jill for welcoming our family into theirs on this incredible journey. And to the woman most responsible for my presence here today — my mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who is always in our hearts. • Asian, White, Latina, and Native American women throughout our nation's history who have paved the way for this moment tonight. • Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be unburdened by what has been — I stand on their shoulders. • But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won't be the last. • The road ahead will not be easy. But America is ready. And so are Joe and I.