By Alivia Duncan
After ending her campaign in December 2019, Kamala Harris is the next Vice President-elect of the United States of America after Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, making him the next elected president.
Not only will Harris be the first female vice president, but she will also be the first vice president to be an African-American and South Asian-American woman, as well as an HBCU graduate.
Clark Atlanta University senior Kehaulani Low stated, “Having Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University, as vice president just goes to show that you don’t have to attend a prestigious ivy league school to accomplish even the biggest things.”
Harris has made history and has put HBCUs on a larger platform with this political move. Students of these historical institutions are often told that HBCUs don’t prepare them for the real world; however, Harris has proved them wrong. “She’s putting HBCUs on the map and showing that success doesn’t just come from predominantly white institutions.” Low added.
Despite the different views on her, Harris’ win with Biden during the 2020 presidential election could very much help HBCUs more than any president before. These institutions suffer from a lack of resources in all aspects, but especially financially.
Clark Atlanta University junior Keion Devalt II shared, “I believe that Kamala Harris’ position as vice president can help HBCUs in several ways. She can help HBCUs like Bennett College, Bethune-Cookman University, and Morris Brown College maintain their accreditation.”
There are currently 107 HBCUs globally; however, within the last 20 years, 20 HBCUs have closed. Some of the HBCUs still standing today suffer from loss of accreditation or are close to being at risk.
Senior and international studies major Kayla Smith of Spelman College shared, “Senator Harris’ new position as vice president underscores that HBCUs are special spaces that cultivate one’s intellectual curiosities and political ideas. I believe that her position will bring more visibility to HBCUs, and in turn, ensure that our institutions remain funded and protected as historical spaces of thought production.”
Though some of the best African-American professionals in the United States have obtained their degrees from HBCUs, many still don’t know what an HBCU is. With Harris being in the office this upcoming January, it is almost inevitable that HBCUs will become more known across the nation. Greek fraternities and sororities and other HBCU affiliated members have shown out in large numbers to advocate for voting.
“I believe her new position will encourage young black women to receive an HBCU education to obtain high power positions. Not only black women but black youth across the country,” said Jeremiah Dozier, a junior at Clark Atlanta University.
A sense of HBCU pride has been spread across the nation as Harris was announced to be the vice president-elect for the upcoming presidency term. Though HBCU members will have large expectations for Harris as she takes office, she will also have support from her HBCU family.
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