VP Kamala Harris Appeals To Young Black Voters In Open Letter To HBCU Students: ‘I Need Your Support’

Vice President Kamala Harris exits after delivering remarks at an event with the Greater Washington Partnership at Howard University on March 30, 2022, in Washington, D.C.  | Source: Drew Angerer / Getty

Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday published a public letter on her campaign website addressed to students at the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) emphasizing the importance of their participation in the 2024 election and appealing to them for their support on Election Day.

As a graduate of Howard University, the Democratic presidential nominee is not only poised to become the first Black and Asian president of the United States but also the first commander in chief who attended an HBCU.

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The letter was published the same day it was reported that young Black women voters are leading new voter registrations in 13 key states at a rate of more than 175% compared to four years ago. That’s nearly triple what it was four years ago, data firm Target Smart found in an analysis.

Vice President Kamala Harris (C) tours Hampton University during a visit highlighting Historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs on September 10, 2021, in Hampton, Virginia. | Source: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / Getty

This year, young Black voters have been a priority for Democrats.

Brencia Berry, political director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), told NewsOne last week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that one of the Harris Campaign’s main objectives is to make sure it’s showing up in spaces where young people are having important conversations.

“We are meeting people where they are,” Berry said, adding that the DNC is “showing up in places like TikTok and spaces that young people are engaging in is important. We have been tapping into different events, festivals, activations, and so much more.”

It was in that context that Harris wrote the letter to HBCU students.

Keep reading to find the full transcript of Harris’ letter to HBCU students.

Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona attend a panel discussion with nine outstanding scholars at Claflin University on September 20, 2022, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. | Source: Claflin University / Getty

Two of the things that have had a profound impact on who I am today are my incredible mother and extended family who helped raise me and my time at Howard University.

At an HBCU, you’re empowered to be anything and do everything without excuse. You are constantly reminded you are young, gifted, and Black. You come as you are and leave as the person you aspire to be. The best part is, along the way, you find forever friends. The people who help shape you and support you. People who will stand with you at your wedding and become godparents to your children.

Like many, college is when I started to become politically engaged. Together we learned that progress in our country happens when young people fight for it.

Throughout my travels as Vice President, I love talking to young leaders. I am continually amazed by your grit, your perseverance, your intellect, and your deep passion for making our world better.

It is because of the record turnout among college students in 2020 that I am Vice President today. And to win this election, I need your support.

This November, so many of our fundamental freedoms are at stake. The freedom to vote. The freedom to live safe from gun violence. The freedom to love who you love, openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water. And the freedom to make decisions about your own body.

Later this semester, you will have the opportunity to vote in an election that will decide the future of our country. You will have the power to shape that future. To continue to build the country you want to live in—one where your fundamental rights are protected—by taking to the ballot box and making your voice heard.

Your vote has never mattered more. I know that when young people fight for progress, it changes the course of our nation. I believe in you. I am inspired by you. And I am rooting for your success.

Sincerely,

Vice President Kamala Harris

SEE ALSO:

Mobilizing Communities Of Color That Are Already Inclined To Vote For Kamala Harris In Large Numbers

Black Voter Registration Rates Surge Amid Kamala Harris’ Historic Candidacy, Data Shows

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