PRIDE AND MOBILIZATION: ALABAMA WOMEN AND HBCU GRADUATES BACK KAMALA HARRIS
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 30, 2024 One week ago, Salaam Green organized a Zoom call that drew around 40,000 Black women, all excited about Vice President Kamala Harris's candidacy for the presidency, now endorsed by President Joe Biden. The group raised over $1 million for Harris’s campaign, driven by the prospect of electing the first Black woman, first Indian American, and first HBCU graduate to the presidency. Salaam Green, a poet-laureate from Birmingham, expressed that this development had greatly increased her enthusiasm and motivated her to work with other Black women across various organizations. She has since donated to Harris’s campaign and is committed to mobilizing others to vote. Although Alabama is a traditionally Republican state unlikely to sway the presidential election, local Black women and HBCU graduates are determined to support Harris and potentially influence local races, such as the competitive 2nd Congressional District. Alabama Democrats believe Harris can build a winning coalition of women, Black, and young voters, especially if she secures the party’s nomination. State and local leaders have quickly endorsed Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson were among those on the Zoom call, describing it as a "celebration of sisterhood" and a "call to action." Akiesha Anderson, a 15-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and a former lobbyist, admitted that she is more excited about Harris’s candidacy compared to Biden's. She noted a lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming election before Harris’s entry but now feels a renewed sense of urgency and purpose. Harris’s connections to Alpha Kappa Alpha and her HBCU background resonate strongly in Alabama, which is home to 14 HBCUs and many members of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities. Harris has highlighted how joining AKA at Howard University transformed her life and has emphasized the importance of organizing and mobilizing to make history through voting. Green, who helped establish a Zeta Phi Beta chapter in 1992, praised Harris’s potential, noting that, while they belong to different sororities, Harris’s candidacy exemplifies the talent and leadership cultivated by these organizations. The surge in support for Harris has been accompanied by increased contributions to both her and former President Donald Trump’s campaigns. This heightened interest in the presidential race could influence down-ballot elections, including efforts to flip the newly-redrawn 2nd Congressional District seat in Alabama. Democratic candidate Shomari Figures has endorsed Harris, while his opponent, Republican Caroleene Dobson, has criticized Biden. The excitement around Harris’s candidacy also extends to young voters. Imani Muse, Miss Birmingham and a student at the University of Alabama, plans to engage in voter registration efforts and emphasizes the need for younger generations to assert political power. Similarly, Shalela Dowdy, a student at Southern University Law Center and leader in voter education, is working to mobilize young voters and views Harris’s potential presidency as a significant representation milestone. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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