Kamala Harris sprang into action this summer after receiving a pivotal call from President Joe Biden endorsing her for the Democratic nomination. Sporting her Howard University sweatshirt, she wasted no time reaching out to supporters. The sweatshirt is more than a nod to her alma mater; it symbolizes the historic nature of her candidacy. If elected, Harris would not only become the first female president but also the first graduate of a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to hold the position.
Harris graduated from Howard University in 1986, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. She has described her time there as her “formative years,” a period when she discovered her passion for politics. In a January 2021 Instagram post, Harris reflected on her experiences at Howard, recalling her early political campaigns and her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. “For me, Howard is home,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of community, particularly for those who often find themselves as the only representatives of their backgrounds in various spaces.
As one of approximately 107 HBCUs in the U.S., Howard has faced challenges, particularly regarding funding. However, Harris has leveraged her position to advocate for HBCUs, emphasizing their significance to the nation’s strength. Earlier this year, she welcomed Howard’s men’s basketball team to the White House, stating that investing in HBCUs is essential for the future of the country.
Support for Harris has also emerged from Howard’s community. The “Bison for Kamala” PAC, named after Howard’s mascot and organized by The Collective PAC—an initiative focused on increasing Black representation in politics—raised $250,000 to support her candidacy as of October 20.
Harris’s commitment to Howard has remained unwavering. In 2017, during her first year as a California Senator, she delivered the commencement address at her alma mater, urging graduates to carve out their own paths. “Howard encourages us—expects us—to use our voice,” she declared. In her 2019 memoir, The Truths We Hold, Harris highlighted the influence of Howard’s esteemed alumni on her decision to attend, particularly citing Thurgood Marshall’s legacy.
In 2019, she announced her presidential campaign at Howard, stating, “This is where it all began.” Though she exited the 2020 Democratic primary, she later became Biden’s running mate, making history as the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American in the role.
As she aims for the presidency, Harris’s journey is already marked by significant milestones, achievements she attributes to her Howard education. In her 2017 commencement speech, she told graduates, “Howard taught me, as it has taught you, that you can do anything and you can do everything.” With her sights set on becoming the first woman president, Harris continues to draw strength from her roots and the community that shaped her.