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Kamala Harris to Spend Election Night at Howard University
Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Howard University as the venue to mark what may be the most pivotal evening of her life: election night. This week, her campaign confirmed that she will return to her alma mater in Washington, D.C., for the occasion.
In a recent conversation with Charlamagne tha God, Harris expressed her pride in being the first vice president from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and declared, “I intend to be the first HBCU president of the United States.”
Graduating from Howard University in 1986, Harris reflects on the institution’s significant influence on her life. It was here that she also joined Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black sorority in the nation. Founded in 1869, Howard University has a storied history as a breeding ground for prominent Black leaders, including figures such as Stokely Carmichael and Thurgood Marshall.
If she secures the presidency, Harris would not only make history as the first Black woman to hold the office but has already achieved a milestone by becoming the first Black woman to receive a major party’s nomination. However, she rarely emphasizes her identity on the campaign trail, opting instead to focus on broader issues.
While Harris may not frequently discuss her race, she acknowledges Howard University’s influential role in shaping her political journey. Notably, the campus was a backdrop for her debate preparations against former President Donald Trump and served as the launch point for her unsuccessful 2020 presidential run.
In an effort to engage young voters and alumni, Harris’s campaign has embraced HBCUs, embarking on what is being called the “HBCU Homecoming Tour.” Senior advisor Trey Baker explained that this initiative aims to connect with voters in their own environments, with nearly 290,000 students enrolled at HBCUs nationwide, according to data from the Pew Research Center. Each fall, homecomings at these colleges feel like grand family reunions, bringing together students and alumni alike.
The campaign has made a concerted effort to stop at key HBCU events, including Howard’s homecoming festival in late October, despite Harris missing the occasion to campaign in competitive states. A rally near Howard provided free food and promotional items for attendees who committed to voting.
In a letter addressed to her alma mater, Harris stated, “At Howard, we learn that we have the capacity to be great and also that we have the responsibility to work hard to live up to that potential each day.”
Cameron Trimble, a fellow Howard graduate and organizer of the HBCU tour, expressed his pride in having the opportunity to vote for Harris. He remarked, “This is a chance for America to really make good on the promise of the founding of this country, that all people are truly created equal and that any American can break through any glass ceiling that exists.”
Mississippi state Rep. Justis Gibbs, who graduated from Howard in 2018, echoed the sentiment of inspiration Harris provides. “Change is happening right in front of us,” he said, recalling how he never expected to witness an African-American president in his lifetime, yet here we are on the brink of potentially electing one in Kamala Harris.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy, recent polling from CBS News reveals a closely divided landscape, particularly in battleground states, highlighting the uncertainty of the upcoming election. Virgil Parker, another Howard alumnus, voiced his concerns over the possibility of Trump winning again, emphasizing the impact of his divisive leadership.
Parker concluded that regardless of the election outcome, Harris’s journey symbolizes the potential for anyone to achieve great success, encouraging people of color and HBCU graduates to see themselves represented in her ascent.
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