Kerry Washington Says Kamala Harris’ 'Wonderful' Great-Nieces ‘Helped Me Not Be Nervous’ at DNC (Exclusive)

"Those girls, they were great because they wanted to practice a hundred times," the 'Scandal' actress tells PEOPLE of being joined onstage by Amara and Leela

Kamala Harris' great-nieces helped calm Kerry Washington's nerves as they made a joint appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.

While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the 7th Annual Black Love Summit in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 12, Washington, 47, recalled taking the stage with Harris’ great-nieces, Amara, 8, and Leela, 6, who helped explain how to pronounce their aunt's name.

The girls — who regularly dress like their aunt — are the daughters 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 president on 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."

Related: Tony Goldwyn Crashes Kerry Washington's DNC Appearance for Surprise Scandal Reunion: 'You Gotta Go'

"I thought they were wonderful. I thought they were wonderful and I think in many ways helped me to not be nervous," the Scandal actress 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.”

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The Little Fires Everywhere star 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.

Related: Kamala Harris Says It's 'Not the 1950s Anymore' and That Not All Women Are 'Aspiring to Be Humble'

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!”

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