Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has chosen her alma mater, Howard University, as the site for her election night headquarters, according to campaign sources.
The historic decision reflects her deep connection to the renowned HBCU, where she spent her formative years and says shaped her into the leader she is today. Plans indicate that Harris鈥 event will likely be held in the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, also known as the Quad, though the exact campus location is subject to change.
In anticipation of the event, Howard University has announced that classes will be held remotely on Monday, Nov. 4, and the campus will be closed with no classes on Election Day, Nov. 5, accommodating the heightened security and activity expected around the high-profile gathering.
The event鈥檚 timing aligns with Harris鈥 recent reflections on her Howard years, shared in The Hilltop student newspaper.
鈥淚 recognize my time at Howard shaped me into the person I am today,鈥 Harris wrote. 鈥淎t Howard, we learn that we have the capacity to be great and also that we have the responsibility to work hard to live up to that potential each day.鈥
People have taken to social media celebrating Harris鈥 decision to spend election night at her alma mater, commenting: 鈥淓xcellent choice,鈥 and 鈥淏est decision ever,鈥 on , showing a screenshot of an article about the vice president鈥檚 selection of Howard from NBC 4 Washington.
Harris, who pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first historically Black sorority, at Howard in 1986, has frequently described her time at 鈥淭he Mecca鈥 as pivotal in her journey toward public service and leadership. Her campaign鈥檚 decision to hold election night at Howard symbolizes her commitment to empowering historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
While Harris celebrates her roots at Howard, her election night plans starkly contrast her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who will host a watch party at a convention center near his resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump鈥檚 plans for election night remain unconfirmed, but his campaign鈥檚 choice of Florida 鈥 a critical battleground state 鈥 signals his focus on shoring up support in a region where he has long enjoyed influence.
Harris has championed HBCUs throughout her campaign, often citing the Biden administration鈥檚 historic investment in higher education institutions that serve underrepresented communities.
鈥淲e have taken historic actions to ensure all students have the resources they need to thrive,鈥 Harris said. 鈥淭his includes increasing the size of Pell Grants, forgiving more student debt than any other administration in history, and investing an unprecedented $17 billion in HBCUs.鈥
However, she also acknowledges the need for continued progress.
鈥淲e know more needs to be done, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we build a brighter future for all,” she stated.
If elected, Harris would be the first woman to capture the Oval Office.
鈥淚 am proud to be an alumna of Howard University, and I send you all my best wishes for a wonderful homecoming celebration,” she said.
Awesome