When Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, a massive show of support quickly followed. Some 40,000 Black women, prominent in fields like politics, business, and entertainment, gathered on a Zoom call to rally behind Harris.
Leading figures such as Glynda C. Carr, co-founder of Higher Heights, described how these women channeled their collective organizing power into grassroots efforts in their neighborhoods, churches, and unions. For over 100 days, this group mobilized around Harris, buoyed by her impressive credentials and shared values, seeing her as a leader with the background and character needed to make history.
Harris’s candidacy stirred excitement among supporters, especially as a Black woman with a distinguished career. Her history includes a degree from Howard University, a historically Black college, membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and key political roles as California attorney general and U.S. senator.
Her rise to vice president had already set a precedent, but many saw her presidential run as an even greater opportunity for her to shatter the glass ceiling. Given her experience and credibility, Harris was seen by her supporters as a strong contrast to Donald Trump, whose legal troubles and divisive rhetoric made her campaign feel like a symbol of hope and change.
The significance of Harris’s campaign was amplified by important civil rights anniversaries, adding a sense of historical continuity to her bid for the presidency. Leaders such as Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women, found her candidacy deeply meaningful, especially for Black women who longed to see the realization of what many ancestors had fought for.
Donald Trump
Harris’s run became a representation of the perseverance and ambition of generations, bringing inspiration to communities who viewed her as the embodiment of their hopes for political representation and progress in the U.S.
Despite this strong support, Harris ultimately lost the election to Trump, who saw his voting base grow among Black and Latino voters. His message resonated with many Americans concerned about the economy, immigration, and a desire for systemic change.
Trump’s success reflected voters’ desire for a decisive shift in governance, even as Harris advocated for democracy, equality, and the protection of freedoms. Though she enjoyed broad support from prominent Democratic leaders, such as Jimmy Carter, and some Republicans, such as Liz Cheney, Trump’s appeal for change aligned more closely with voter concerns, tipping the election in his favor.
In reflecting on the election, many Harris supporters felt that underlying biases against her race and gender influenced the outcome. Shavon Arline-Bradley, president of the National Council of Negro Women, argued that Harris’s inclusive and progressive platform was overshadowed by longstanding forces of nationalism, sexism, and racism.
Others, like New Orleans resident Laureé Akinola-Massaquoi, expressed deep disappointment, seeing Trump’s victory as a sign of society’s ongoing resistance to diversity and progress. For many, Harris’s loss underscored the challenges America faces in bridging divides and embracing leaders who reflect its multicultural and progressive aspirations.
