Harris revelers leave Howard campus without seeing candidate speak

On election night, Kamala Harris didn't make any remarks at Howard University, where she studied, and which is a historically black university located in Washington D.C.

Following the loss of the initial two key states, Harris chose not to address a gathering of students on campus, which began to thin out as the evening progressed.

The Democratic candidate for president completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University in 1986, earning a degree in political science and economics. He has continued to have strong connections with the institution over the years.

Ben Vinson III, president of Howard University, mentioned that this is the first occasion in contemporary history where a college campus has held a watch party for a presidential election.

Mr. Vinson expressed that the university feels a tremendous sense of pride having one of its graduates serve as the first woman of color in the role of vice-president. He also mentioned that they feel privileged she selected Howard as the venue where she might achieve history once more.

However, on Tuesday night, the atmosphere at Howard grew quieter, and by midnight, a top campaign official informed the smaller crowd that Harris would not be coming out that evening.

The big screen set up outside on campus displayed that Trump had won two crucial battleground states, North Carolina and Georgia.

Nabila Mangum, 31, dressed in the vibrant pink of AKA, the sorority she has in common with Harris, intended to mark election night at Howard. "I felt really inspired and thrilled," she shared.

She sensed the atmosphere shift instantly, as if the energy of the crowd around her had suddenly faded.

"The energy shifted," she remarked. "However, we’re not done yet. It’s not over until we see it through."

Supporters of Harris came together outside the school earlier on Tuesday, just before the viewing party started. However, they fell unexpectedly quiet when North Carolina was announced as going to Trump.

"I understand that many people are feeling anxious about the current figures," remarked Howard student Jordan Newsom shortly after projections showed the state leaning towards a Trump victory.

Mr. Newsom mentioned that his supporters were working hard to maintain a positive atmosphere. "Our best option is to come together and stay hopeful with one another," he stated.

One of the attendees was Cheryl Taylor, a graduate of Howard University, who encouraged Harris to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha during her freshman year. This sorority, established at Howard in 1908, holds the distinction of being the first black sorority in the United States.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha and other African American sororities have created a close national community that played a significant role in supporting Harris's presidential campaigns both this year and in 2019.

Ms. Taylor shared with the BBC that even when Harris was just 19, she was already recognized as a prominent leader.

"She was incredible—striking, intelligent, and kind," she remarked.

Ms. Taylor expressed her deep appreciation for Harris's choice to host a watch party at Howard. She felt it acknowledged the significant role the school played in her personal journey and highlighted how it demonstrated the strength of "black excellence."

She dismissed the criticisms directed at Harris's racial identity, including remarks from Donald Trump, who challenged her authenticity as a Black person.

"That's not something we discuss here," she remarked.

Kendall Claytor, a first-year student casting her vote for the first time, was among the friends eagerly waiting to enter. She spoke highly of Harris, calling her a role model.

"As a Black woman, I truly admire her," she stated.

It’s inspiring to realize that she started from the same background as us—she stayed in the same dorms, attended the same school, and took the same classes. Her journey shows us as students just how far we can go.

William Ward, who is 65 years old, was entertaining the crowd by playing music from a speaker attached to the back of his bicycle.

"I'm turning 66 in December, and I want to witness significant moments in history. I've experienced the Obamas taking office, which was a historic event. Now, I look forward to seeing a woman take office."

Cheers briefly overshadowed a Destiny's Child song when screens displayed early results showing Harris leading in key states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

"I understand that a considerable amount of effort has been put in, and it's wonderful to see those efforts being rewarded," remarked Danielle Sydnor, a supporter of Harris.

Jerry Patterson entered the Howard watch party while keeping an eye on the election results on her phone. "I'm feeling quite nervous," Mr. Patterson admitted. "But I'm also cautiously hopeful."

Patterson, wearing a green tracksuit adorned with Kamala Harris buttons, was part of a lively crowd gathered in the Yard for the vice president's viewing party.

"We're optimistic about a positive outcome," he said, emphasizing that democracy and women's reproductive rights are the two issues he cares about the most.

He stated that Harris had rightfully secured the nation's highest position, following three months of advocating for herself and presenting her plans.

"If people struggle to grasp it, it’s often because they’re not open to listening."

Established in 1867 and often referred to as The Mecca, Howard University is one of the largest and most academically challenging historically black colleges in the nation.

It has the highest number of black PhD graduates compared to any other university in the nation and currently has a student body of approximately 11,000.

Notable alumni include former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael, and actor Chadwick Boseman.

In her memoir, The Truths We Hold, Harris referred to it as a space where you could arrive just as you are and depart as the person you wish to become.