Mobilizing for Kamala Harris: Alabama Women and HBCU Graduates Unite

Last week, Salaam Green joined a Zoom call alongside about 40,000 other enthusiastic Black women. The excitement was palpable as Vice President Kamala Harris officially entered the race for the White House with President Joe Biden's endorsement.

In a show of support, these women raised over $1 million for Harris' campaign, energized by the possibility of electing the first Black woman, the first Indian American, and the first HBCU graduate to the presidency.

"This news has reignited my enthusiasm and commitment to our cause," said Green, the poet-laureate of Birmingham. She has since donated to Harris' campaign and is eager to mobilize others to vote.

Although Alabama is a traditionally conservative state, Black women and HBCU graduates remain resolute in their support for Harris. They aim to influence not only the presidential race but also key down-ballot races, such as the competitive 2nd Congressional District.

State Democrats believe Harris, a Howard University alumna and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, can galvanize a coalition of women, Black voters, and young people if she secures the Democratic nomination.

Ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Harris has received endorsements from Alabama leaders, including State Sen. Merika Coleman and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, both of whom were on the Zoom call. "It felt like a church service," Coleman told The Birmingham Times. "It was a celebration of sisterhood and a rallying cry for action."

Akiesha Anderson, a 15-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and former Alabama lobbyist, expressed newfound excitement for Harris' candidacy. "I was planning to vote for Biden out of responsibility, but Kamala's candidacy genuinely excites me," she said.

In Alabama, home to 14 HBCUs and numerous Divine Nine members, Harris' supporters see a wealth of untapped voters. Harris herself acknowledges the transformative impact of joining AKA at Howard University. “When we organize, we move mountains. When we mobilize, we change nations. And when we vote, we make history,” she declared at AKA’s biennial boule in Dallas, addressing an audience of 20,000 members.

Green, who helped charter a Zeta Phi Beta chapter at the University of Montevallo in 1992, finds inspiration in Harris' run. "Seeing another brown sister from a D9 organization run for president underscores the excellence and potential of women from these groups," she said.

The past week has seen a surge in campaign contributions for both Harris and former President Donald Trump, hinting at a heated race ahead. This renewed interest could also impact down-ballot elections, with Democrats aiming to flip the 2nd Congressional District seat. Democratic candidate Shomari Figures has endorsed Harris, while his opponent, Republican Caroleene Dobson, has called for Biden's resignation.

“Kamala's candidacy represents a new era in politics and underscores the importance of representation,” said Anderson. “It’s invigorating.”

While it's too early to predict the impact of Harris' campaign on the overall election, experts are closely monitoring whether she can re-energize Black voters who were crucial to Biden's 2020 victory but have since shown signs of discontent.

Another critical question is whether Harris can generate the same excitement among young and undecided voters as Barack Obama did in 2008. Trump's campaign has already begun targeting Harris, blaming her for current administration challenges.

Imani Muse, Miss Birmingham and a University of Alabama student, will be voting in her first presidential election in November. She plans to work with the Blackburn Institute to register other students to vote. "Our generation's time is now," she said.

Shalela Dowdy, a Delta Sigma Theta member and Southern University Law Center student, leads the Mobile Branch of the NAACP and is the founding president of Stand Up Mobile, a voter education nonprofit. She supports Harris and is mobilizing young voters for November. Endorsements from Alabama leaders like Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, both Morehouse College graduates and Divine Nine fraternity members, are expected to resonate strongly.

"Kamala Harris’ candidacy highlights the exceptional leaders produced by HBCUs and D9 organizations," Dowdy said. "It makes me proud to see more Black women and HBCU graduates in politics."

Dowdy’s pride reflects the sentiment of many: the excitement of seeing someone from their community making strides toward the highest office in the land.