By Gabrielle Speight-Leach
On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris won enough delegate votes to secure the party’s nomination, according to Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison. Which means Harris is within arms reach of becoming the next president of the United States.
With Harris being an alumna of Howard University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., some members of the community believe she could bring a spotlight to historically Black colleges and universities and Divine Nine organizations.
Some members of the community said they hope that the national spotlight on these institutions and organizations will increase their notability.
At the 2024 NABJ Convention and Career Fair in Chicago, several HBCU students, alumni, and Divine Nine members curated thoughts and ideas about the future of these institutions.
Erika Brown, news producer at WSVN-TV member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. said as a community they are proud of Vice President Harris and the prominence of these organizations and universities will increase since Harris fully launched herself into running for president.
“She is the first African-American vice president of the United States and we already proud of her. She has already brought so much more interest to our organization and if she goes higher in office she will attract more young ladies to the organization,” Brown said.
Audio below: Reaction to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential run
People also expressed their thoughts about how outside people look at HBCUs. The thought that they may be discredited is disheartening to most.
“There’s always a question about the value proposition of HBCUs. I think that her ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket validates the reason HBCUs remain relevant,” said Alyse Durham, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Multiple HBCU alumni said they were excited to see how HBCUs will gain attention. They are hopeful that younger generations will want to attend HBCUs and obtain interest in Divine Nine sororities and fraternities.
“I think that there will be little girls across this nation who have no idea what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is, means, or stands for, who will find themselves interested in learning more,” Durham said.
With their organizations gaining attention, they are concerned that they will only be seen as organizations that host parties, stroll, and dance. Many NABJ attendees said that they want the focus to be on the service and pillars that they have worked so hard to project onto the communities that they are in.
“The question has come about so often, ‘What are Divine Nine organizations? Are they relevant anymore?’ Well, this is a chance to prove that we are. Beyond the step shows and parties, this is an opportunity for the nation to see what we’ve been doing on a smaller scale,” said Quinne Lowe, Sports Q&A Media Founder and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Brown said she believes that Harris being in the running for president will change the perspective of these organizations.
“She is a fine example of a lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.” she said.
It is evident through the NABJ attendees that Harris has created an immense influence on the Black community. They are hoping that with Harris being in the running for the presidential position, more people showcase the brilliance of the excellence in their organizations.
“It will be a huge shift and when I say shift meaning, more sisters and brothers a part of the Divine Nine organization will be active. Wanting to be all hands on deck and be more involved in their community. Not saying we aren’t already but to see more of an influx of those coming together as a unit.” said Nia Symone, HBCU Go on-air talent and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
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