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Harris and Walz Hit The Yard

Savannah HeraldBy 7 Mins Read


Source: Justin Sullivan / Getty

Vice President Kamala Harris, a proud alumna of Howard University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is going back to her HBCU roots. Now, Harris is bringing that legacy to the forefront of her campaign by partnering with Governor Tim Walz to launch an HBCU Homecoming Tour. According to HuffPost, it’s specifically targeting young Black voters in key battleground states. This news comes as Harris and her opponent, Donald Trump, remain locked in a tight race with just over a month until Election Day.

The Harris-Walz campaign is focusing on engaging Gen-Z and millennial voters, a critical demographic that could swing the election. As BOSSIP previously reported, big endorsements such as Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo attended Harris’ campaign rally in Atlanta, home to three HBCUs in the AUC. (Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse). These artists have a reach to her specific demographic. More examples of their efforts can even be seen in Harris Team’s social media, many posts are trendy with “memes” that are relatable to the youth. 

Tailgates, Yardfest, and Voter Registration: A Winning Combo

The tour kicked off in style at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) on September 28, where Harris and Walz joined in on the school’s homecoming festivities. The event included a tailgate ahead of the WSSU vs. Bowie State University football game in North Carolina. Fox 5 Atlanta identifies this state as one of the key battlegrounds the tour is focused on.

While enjoying the food and camaraderie of the tailgate, the campaign team made sure to emphasize the importance of voter registration. Fox 5 Atlanta reports that this effort aligns with a nationwide trend: according to Vote.gov, voters under the age of 35 accounted for 81% of new registrations on National Voter Registration Day. The Harris-Walz team is making sure to tap in. 

In addition to the campaign’s grassroots efforts, the Divine Nine, which includes historically Black fraternities and sororities under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), has played a critical role in energizing Harris’s campaign. As a Hampton University graduate (affectionately “The Real HU”), firsthand experience in the influence and honor of these organizations while attending an HBCU is known, especially their efforts to quickly rally to promote voter registration and engagement. Although non-partisan, the NPHC launched a massive voter mobilization campaign, activating thousands of chapters and members to ensure a strong turnout in the communities they immediately serve: the Black community.

The Importance of HBCUs: A Legacy of Excellence

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are more than just academic institutions; they represent cultural sanctuaries where Black students can build their own legacies while establishing lifelong relationships. These schools have a deep history of nurturing Black excellence and leadership. Clearly, the Harris-Walz campaign is strategic in leveraging Kamala Harris’s HBCU connections, but opinions on the authenticity vary in social media.

These institutions are sacred spaces for the Black community. Inviting a political campaign into these cherished environments, especially during homecoming season when both current students and alumni return, requires a level of care and respect. Alumni of all ages return to these campuses during this special time, celebrating a history rooted in progress and pride. It’s a celebration of continuity, where older generations pass down their wisdom to the youth, keeping the spirit of HBCUs alive. It is also an honor to include the highlighting of them in this historic moment, potentially introducing the impact of HBCU legacy to those who may be unaware. 

For many of these schools, homecoming is more than a celebration—it’s a time to raise awareness, boost private funding, and sustain the mission of these historic institutions. The Harris-Walz team must navigate this space with sensitivity, ensuring that the focus remains on uplifting the legacy of these schools while energizing voters.

Hit the flip for more details about Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s HBCU Homecoming Tour and when it will come to a campus near you.

A Legacy of Support: Obama’s Focus on HBCUs

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Source: SAUL LOEB / Getty

This HBCU focus isn’t new in presidential campaigns. Former President Barack Obama also recognized the immense value of HBCUs in shaping the future of the nation. During his presidency, Obama committed $850 million to strengthening HBCUs over a decade and reinvigorated the White House Initiative on HBCUs. He often emphasized their critical role in expanding educational opportunities for young Black Americans.

Much like the Harris-Walz tour, Obama’s efforts shone a spotlight on the need for these schools to thrive and continue providing pathways for success, especially as many HBCUs rely heavily on private funding to maintain operations.

The Road Ahead: From Howard to SpelHouse

One of the most anticipated stops on the tour will be at Harris’s alma mater, Howard University, on October 19. Fox 5 Atlanta reports that this stop will be particularly meaningful, as it coincides with Howard’s 100th homecoming celebration. The visit will also be a major moment for Harris’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, which was founded at Howard in 1908. Harris’s personal connection to the university and the sorority is expected to bring an emotional and empowering atmosphere to the event.

While Harris and Walz immerse themselves in the rich traditions of HBCU homecomings, Donald Trump is making his own campaign moves. Fox 5 Atlanta states that Trump is set to appear at the Georgia-Alabama football game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as part of his own efforts to engage with voters in key southern states.

By showing up at HBCU campuses and joining in on the celebrations, the Harris-Walz team is aiming to inspire a generation of voters who are ready to make their voices heard at the polls. With this HBCU Homecoming Tour, the Harris-Walz team is embracing the culture and empowering young voters to shape the future.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Sept. 28– Winston-Salem State University

Oct. 12– Lincoln University

Oct. 12 – Virginia State University

Oct. 19 – Howard University

Oct. 19– North Carolina A&T State University

Oct. 19– Clark Atlanta University

Oct. 26– Morehouse College

Oct. 26– Spelman College

More campus visits may be pending, but with this lineup, the Harris-Walz team is ensuring they’re front and center at HBCU homecomings leading up to the polls. 





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