Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, will spend election night at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington, D.C. This decision, confirmed by sources familiar with the campaign’s plans, underscores Harris’s deep connection to Howard, a historically Black college often referred to as “The Mecca” and known for its profound influence on Black culture and leadership.
Harris graduated from Howard in 1986, where she was an active member of the debate team and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first historically Black sorority in the United States. This return to Howard carries significant symbolism, as Harris could become the first woman and first HBCU graduate to win the presidency. Her decision to hold the event at Howard not only reflects her roots but also speaks to her campaign’s ongoing commitment to engaging historically Black communities and inspiring students to reach new heights.
The event is likely to be held at the university’s Quad, though this may change depending on logistics. Harris has frequently spoken of her affection for Howard, recently sharing in the student newspaper, The Hilltop, that “Howard shaped me into the person I am today,” and imparting the values of excellence and hard work to students. In a speech planned for Tuesday night at the Ellipse near the White House, Harris will highlight her vision to “turn the page” on the divisiveness that she feels has characterized recent years.
More than 50,000 supporters are anticipated to gather for Harris’s election night event, marking a historic moment for both Howard and the country. This occasion follows Harris’s inheritance of President Joe Biden’s campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, after he exited the race in July. However, she felt that Howard would be a more natural fit for her election night as a proud graduate of the institution.
In contrast, Republican nominee Donald Trump plans to host an election night event at a convention center in West Palm Beach, Florida, near his resort. The choice of venues for both candidates reflects the unique aspects of their campaigns, with Harris grounding her event in the deep traditions of her alma mater.
Harris’s team is prepared for the possibility that a winner may not be declared immediately, and if the election remains undecided, she is expected to address the nation from Howard, as her team navigates the final moments of this high-stakes election. The campaign has also strategized a response should Trump make any early declarations of victory, as he controversially did in 2020.
With her choice to spend election night at Howard University, Harris seeks to highlight her long-standing ties to the university and its legacy. As her campaign reaches the final stretch, Howard stands as a symbol of Harris’s commitment to serving as a role model for students, particularly those from historically Black institutions, who look to her as an example of achievement, resilience, and dedication.
