WASHINGTON D.C. – President Joe Biden has announced that he will be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris after dropping out of the presidential race.
After his decision, Kamala Harris’ campaign went on to make history by raising the most money a presidential candidate has ever seen within 24 hours, scoring $81 million in donations after Biden’s endorsement.
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Harris also received endorsements from former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, activist and politician U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Speaker of the House U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former President Bill and Hillary Clinton, and many others.
After hearing of the endorsement, around 44,000 Black women participated in a #WinWithBlackWomen phone call, raising $1.5 million for the Harris campaign.
Following that, 55,000 Black men attended another call in support of VP Kamala’s Campaign for Presidency, raising $1.3 million total.
It is a crucial moment now more than ever as this announcement impacts the participation of Black voters, especially young voters to rely on their electoral power and remain informed.
The Black vote is highly sought after throughout each election season. For years, it has proven to be one of the decisive keys to electoral ballots in the U.S.
Candidates who prioritize the concerns of Black voters, such as social injustices, typically see favor at the ballot box.
For years, society has often been told that Black people do not vote, but this is a stereotype and misinformation as Black Americans provide one of the most stable voting blocs in the U.S. and have often played a huge role in the outcome.
Here’s a timeline of how the Black vote impacted elections:
During the Reconstruction Era, Black people saw the passing of laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and the Fourteenth Amendment.
Previous records show that around 2,000 Black men served in elected positions throughout the country, including 16 members of Congress and over 600 in state legislatures.
In 1992, Bill Clinton won the race against George W. Bush with 83% of the Black vote.
In 2008, Obama’s Black vote was at 95% in 2008 and 93% in 2012, complemented by a high voter turnout among African Americans and young people of all races.
Most recently, in the 2020 presidential election, Biden defeated Former President Donald Trump with 87% of the Black vote, according to Cornell University’s Roper Center.
KPRC 2 Intern Victoria George spoke with several young Black voters who shared their thoughts as it relates to voting and the presidential race:
Q: What does this announcement mean for the Black community?
A: “At this moment, this doesn’t mean anything to the Black community in my opinion because we have been told the story of the American dream for many years, but it hasn’t been obtained. We truly must ask the question will she (Harris) help the Black community or use the community to benefit her,” said student Kendrick Maddox.
“As an African American woman living in America, this is such an astronomical milestone to have Vice President Harris running for president. I know much of this conversation is about staying away from race, but for me, being an African American woman, and for others who are not African American—such as Caucasians or anyone else—they have many great examples and leaders. They have an abundance of these role models, and I am so grateful to the amazing women who have come from other countries. America is not the first to have a female leader, but it is a milestone for us to achieve. I am so honored. I would feel the same honor if it were a white woman, but the fact that she shares my race makes me even more excited. It is a special moment for younger girls like me and older women who fought so hard for us to reach this point. This is a blessing, and it will come true,” said Independence Jorji.
Q: Do you think her being a woman, a Black woman at that, would affect Harris’ chances of winning?
“If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have told you that this would negatively impact her success as a presidential candidate. However, given the current climate and the emotions that women are feeling—especially as our rights are continuously violated—there is a sense of movement and energy change that goes beyond her being a Black woman. This is about her being a woman, and it just happens to be that she is Black. I am very clear when I say that this is not just because she is Black; it is because she is a woman if anything,” said Independence Jorji.
“Being that she is a woman, she is going to have to face challenges and barriers that are simply not given to a man regardless of his race. I think with Kamala Harris being a Black woman, her chances of winning increase because I think this country is ready for someone who looks like her to sit in the driver’s seat. It simply comes down to the polls,” said Payton Manuel.
Q: There’s a stereotype stating that Black people - especially young Black people - do not vote. What are your thoughts on that?
“I see where that idea comes about but I do believe many Black people vote. Those who may not vote (won’t) due to the lack of concern to build the change in the nation. I believe it has more to do with being uneducated as it relates to politics,” said Kendrick Maddox.
“I think this stereotype is the reason why you don’t see many Black voters or young Black voters. Misinformation and the lack of education are contributing reasons why young, Black voters tend to be out of touch with political matters. People want to feel safe and heard, and it’s going to take a transformative candidate and campaign to encourage this group of people to vote,” said Payton Manuel.
Q: Project 2025 goal is being highlighted especially on social media. What are your thoughts as it relates to the project as a whole and former President Donald Trump supporting people who put out this project?
“I had already made up my mind regarding the values I was looking for, and I never paid attention to Project 2025 or whatever year they want to highlight their agenda. I was focused on candidates and ensuring that my livelihood was a focal point. Anything else that didn’t directly relate to, how I could effectively drive change didn’t matter to me. I didn’t care to read about it or invest my energy,” said Independence Jorji.
Q: Those who say they will not be voting; can you please reflect how this affects or countries future.
“I have to hold myself accountable for not voting in the last presidential election. I voted in all the local elections, so the presidential was the only one I missed. I would say, even if you don’t care about the presidential election, please pay attention to your local elections—your Board of Education, your mayor, and your superintendent. They matter more than you think, we need to educate people that local elections matter, not just presidential elections,” said Independence Jorji.
“To not vote in an election affects the direction of our country as an entirety. Everyone is entitled to do as they please, and that must be respected. However, voting is the ultimate way you can have your voice be heard. So, if there is something you believe in, regardless of party, get out there and vote,” said Payton Manuel.
The power to vote is significant and is one of the most powerful means for change as it is one’s entitlement to the purpose of an equal society. One vote can make a difference and serves as a means for one’s voice to be heard.
Being able to participate in elections is a part of American life as many people in other parts of the world and those before us did not have that same freedom.
We can make a meaningful impact on our society’s future and the generations to come.
Oct. 7, 2024, is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 5 presidential election.