Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Vice President Kamala Harris is accepting the Democrats’ presidential nomination Thursday exactly 60 years after another Black woman mesmerized the nation with a speech that still resonates in American politics.

(Democratic National Convention via AP)DETROIT When Hazel Dukes stepped onto the Democratic National Convention stage in 1972 to second Shirley Chisholms presidential nomination, it amounted to more than history. She will be the first Black woman and first Asian American woman named to a major party presidential ticket. But historically, Black women have fought the racism and sexism that prevented them from having prominent roles within the movements for womens suffrage and civil rights. That reminder is especially clear as America marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote a right that most Black women weren't afforded until much later. And while inroads have been made, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in politics.