By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she and running mate, Tim Walz will be making their way to several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) this homecoming season as they focus on securing the votes of young Black students. HBCUs in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania will be visited during the eight stop tour. Harris’ alma mater, Howard University (HU), is on the list of schools that will receive a visit in the coming weeks.
CREDIT: AP Photo/ LM Otero
Known as “The Mecca” throughout the HBCU community, Howard’s homecoming is highly acclaimed and often attended by students, alumni and people from other universities too. However, this year is their centennial anniversary and they’ll be celebrating 100 years of camaraderie, community and HBCU pride. The annual event is something that many alumni look forward to attending each year, however Harris’ scheduled appearance seems to be serving as an additional incentive for people to return to the yard.
“I’m super excited for her to be at homecoming. I think Howard’s homecoming is the perfect place for her campaign,” said Jamel Wright, a 2017 graduate of HU. “This is a great opportunity for her to engage with the community and for us to hold her accountable for some of the concerns we have.”
Wright noted that an event centered around reuniting people is the perfect occasion for Harris’ presidential campaign. He explained that it provides an opportunity for her to take a grassroots approach to interacting with her supporters and hearing their needs and wants.
“In the Black community, voting rates can be low and this is a great occasion for her to speak to members of the Black community and hear our demands,” he said. “The Black community usually seems to be last when it comes to presidential campaigns so her going on this homecoming tour is very strategic.”
Other HU alumni who spoke to the AFRO shared similar sentiments, noting her tour to be smart and innovative.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. I think it’s a smart way of trying to appeal to a different generation of voters,” said Mekhi Abbott, a 2023 graduate of HU. “Her being an HBCU graduate makes her relatable. And I wouldn’t be surprised if candidates in the future decide to do the same thing.”
Although Madame VP is the first to go on an HBCU homecoming tour, many of the institutions she’s visiting are no stranger to being the breeding grounds for political and social change.
“HBCU homecomings are more than just celebrations of culture and school pride; they are pivotal moments for political and civic engagement. Historically, HBCUs have been at the forefront of voter education and registration initiatives, making homecoming an ideal space for political campaigns,” said Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D, a 1994 graduate of HU. “These events offer a unique opportunity for political campaigns to connect with an educated, civically engaged community that has been instrumental in shaping social and political movements.”
Stewart currently serves as the president of the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the Howard University Alumni Association and she’s excited to see Harris return to campus for such a monumental celebration. She noted Harris’ journey of hardwork and high achievement to be well understood by many in the HBCU community– making her return a full circle moment.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris back to the yard for such a historic moment. Howard University has a rich tradition of producing leaders and to see one of our own not only succeed but also return to campus during a pivotal time is inspiring,” she said. “It reflects the journey of many HBCU graduates who have worked tirelessly for progress and justice. Homecoming is not just a celebration of the past, but a moment to look toward the future and having Kamala Harris on campus reinforces the powerful legacy that HBCUs like Howard continue to uphold.”
Harris is returning to her old stomping grounds on Oct.19. However, she won’t be there long because she’s scheduled to attend homecoming events for Clark-Atlanta University (CAU) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) on that same day.
The homecoming tour started on Sept.28 at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, next the tour will stop in Pennsylvania and Virginia to visit Lincoln University and Virginia State University, respectively, on Oct.12. That following weekend the duo will be at HU, CAU and NCAT and on Oct. 26, the tour will conclude in Atlanta when the Harris-Walz campaign attends the combined Spelman and Morehouse College homecoming.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Yolanda Stewart, Ph.D are her personal opinions and do not reflect the views of any organizations with which she is affiliated.
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