With President Joe Biden stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University alumna, has taken center stage as the presumptive Democratic nominee. This historic shift raises the question: Can the HBCU graduate trump Donald J. Trump in the upcoming election?
Vice President Harris, who has served since 2021, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to her campaign. As the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, Harris has made significant strides in several key areas. Her efforts have gone beyond the ceremonial role often associated with the vice presidency.
During her tenure, Harris has led initiatives to eradicate lead pipes and expand broadband access, showcasing her dedication to promoting climate justice. Now, at the height of her campaign, Harris is leaning toward Black voters, recognizing the importance of shaping the electoral landscape and driving social and political change.
Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law. Her career began in the office of the district attorney of Alameda County, California, followed by positions in the San Francisco DA’s office and the city attorney of San Francisco’s office. In 2003, she was elected district attorney of San Francisco, and later served as the attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017. As a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021, Harris championed strict gun control laws, the DREAM Act, federal legalization of cannabis, and reforms in healthcare and taxation.
Harris gained national attention for her pointed questioning during Senate hearings, including Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Although she withdrew from the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination race, Biden selected her as his running mate, and their ticket triumphed over the incumbent Trump-Pence administration.
With Biden’s endorsement, Harris launched her own presidential campaign after his withdrawal from the 2024 race on Sunday, securing enough delegate support to become the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recently spoke to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., another historically Black sorority, in Indianapolis, addressing a crowd of more than 6,000 people. During her speech, she highlighted her work in the Biden administration and emphasized the importance of seeking Black voters in the 2024 election. Her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, raised $81 million in 24 hours for Harris’ campaign, underscoring the urgency behind registering to vote and mobilizing students and HBCU alumni.
This financial support and voter engagement are crucial for ensuring a strong voter turnout and amplifying the voices of Black communities, which can significantly influence the election’s outcome.
During a speech, Harris emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election.
Her opponent, Former President Trump, has already begun to criticize Harris’ decision to run, framing her as an extension of Biden’s policies, which he has consistently attacked. Trump’s approach focuses on mobilizing his base by portraying Harris as a continuation of the current administration’s agenda. Additionally, Trump is pushing Project 2025, a conservative agenda aimed at dramatically reshaping the federal government and implementing strict policies on immigration, education and healthcare.
Florida A&M University SGA President Loryn May commented on Harris’ focus on addressing the needs and concerns of HBCU students and the Black community.
“As the SGA President of Florida A&M University, I urge Vice President Harris, upon her ascension to the presidency, to prioritize the implementation of a strategic plan to address the chronic underfunding of HBCU land-grant institutions, including our own,” May told The Famuan. “The recent letter to the state of Florida highlights the urgent need for equitable financial support for these historically underfunded institutions, and it is crucial that she leads a concerted effort to rectify this disparity. By ensuring that FAMU and similar universities receive the financial resources they deserve, Vice President Harris will not only uphold the principles of justice and equity but also strengthen the essential role of HBCUs in fostering educational excellence and opportunity.”
As Harris gears up for the presidential race, her historic candidacy as a Howard University graduate brings a renewed focus on the influence and potential of HBCU alumni in shaping the nation’s future. The Black vote is especially important in this election, as it can significantly impact the electoral vote. Mobilizing Black voters and ensuring their voices are heard will be crucial for Harris to secure a victory against Trump.
In the upcoming months, it remains to be seen if Harris can topple Trump and lead the country as its next president.