Celebrating a Century of Legacy at Howard University
As Vice President Kamala Harris energized voters in both Detroit and Atlanta this past weekend, her loyal supporters were just a short distance away from her residence in the District of Columbia. Howard University, her esteemed alma mater, was marking a significant milestone: its 100th homecoming celebration. This historically Black college, affectionately known to its alumni as “The Mecca,” organized a week-long series of events that gathered thousands of alumni from across the nation for joyous reunions, lively parties, and an electrifying concert leading up to the highlight of the weekend—a marquee football game.
Interestingly, Ms. Harris chose to forgo this cherished event this year, focusing her efforts instead on campaigning in the critical battleground states of Michigan and Georgia. This decision also allowed her to sidestep the complex security logistics that come with being a sitting vice president and a presidential candidate attending a major gathering.
On campus and beyond, the energy surrounding the possibility of having the nation’s first Black woman—and HBCU graduate—in the presidency was unmistakable. Students eagerly posed for pictures with life-sized cardboard cutouts of Ms. Harris at a booth set up in the university’s main yard. Vendors lined Georgia Avenue, the primary street leading to Howard’s campus, selling T-shirts emblazoned with images of Ms. Harris and her inspirational quotes. Following the traditional parade, the Harris campaign hosted an enthusiastic rally for alumni, showcasing the unity and fervor of her supporters.
However, as the presidential race enters its final stretch, there is a palpable sense of anxiety among her backers. While most alumni expressed sheer joy at seeing one of their own leading a presidential ticket, they remained acutely aware of the razor-thin margins that characterize the race. This awareness has motivated many to mobilize and organize even more fervently in support of her candidacy.
“I am filled with an indescribable excitement for our fellow Bison, who is vying for the most powerful position in this incredible country,” said Christina Weaver Jackson, host of a “Bison for Kamala” fundraiser at her home in the District of Columbia, as she addressed attendees on Thursday. “Yet, I must admit, I’m also feeling quite nervous about the road ahead.”