Kamala Harris is the first woman of color on a major-party presidential ticket, and the third female major-party nominee for vice president. She is also the first HBCU grad selected for the nomination.
In her book, “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” Harris spoke to her experience attending Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she said “everyone looked like me.” Howard is one of about 100 HBCUs— or Historically Black Colleges and Universities—in the nation.
In an August CNN article, journalist John Blake points out that Harris could provide a similar experience for HBCU grads across the country:
“Thousands of students at Howard and other historically Black colleges and universities — known as HBCUs — can now look at the 55-year-old Harris’ ascension and say the same: She looks like me,” Blake said.
While attending Howard University, Harris was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The New York Times referred to this sorority as Harris’ “secret weapon,” noting that “[Harris] called A.K.A. a major influence in her life.”
In June, Harris announced that her campaign would be mobilizing student groups and Greek groups on the campuses of HBCU to support her campaign. According to the Associated Press, Harris has visited more HBCUs nationwide than any other candidate.
Graduating from an HBCU not only gives Harris a unique approach to the White House, but it gives her a unique connection with Black voters.
“Presidential candidates are recognizing HBCUs as a political and cultural center for the broader black community,” Aimee Allison, founder of political network She The People, told the Associated Press.
Allison added that connecting with HBCUs are an “essential part of a long-term strategy to build trust and relationships” with black voters.
