Source: Justin Sullivan / Getty
A Campaign for the Culture: Harris and Walz Kick Off HBCU Tour
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.
This HBCU tour is so smart. Go where the people are…it’s authentic and so appropriate to reach a maximum number of students and alumni! Such clever strategic move. https://t.co/7hLKhYsZ8r
— Natasha Nicole for Harris/Walz 2024 (@natashasweeting) September 29, 2024
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.
🧵Hello all—I’m Kamau Marshall, a senior advisor for the Harris Walz campaign.
Like Madam VP @KamalaHarris, I’m also an HBCU graduate (TSU) & a member of the D9 (🤙🏾).
I’m starting this thread for ALL things HBCU/D9. Today, we launched our Harris Walz HBCU Tour. More to come.⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zElquUJlhi
— Kamau Marshall (@KamauMandela) September 28, 2024
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.
Harris-Walz Campaign is kicking off the HBCU Homecoming Tour will they be giving y’all reparations or we gonna step and party??? Be FR
— Luxap (@Luxuryaxp) September 29, 2024
The Harris/Walz HBCU tour is lit. Idc what anyone says.
— Linds (@LinnyPee) September 28, 2024
Makes sense since she’s an HBCU graduate. Some people (Fox News) will say it’s pandering but I don’t see it that way at all
— Hell1s (@Hell1s) September 28, 2024
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.
Tim Walz is grateful for the support of over 50 HBCU football legends. pic.twitter.com/icTzI8yi66
— Working toward a Better Future for All! (@FatherRichard3) September 24, 2024
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
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.
While former president Donald Trump spent his time visiting sundown towns and speaking to potential KKK members. The Harris-Walz Campaign is kicking off the HBCU Homecoming Tour to reach young Black voters—We are not the same……… pic.twitter.com/JqfZLIn734
— Kenny Akers (@KeneAkers) September 29, 2024
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.
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.
