Harris’s Presidential Campaign Inspires Black Students at Howard University

At Howard University, the historically Black institution that educated Kamala Harris four decades ago, students are envisioning how her potential victory in the U.S. presidential election could elevate both the university and their own aspirations.

“I find it inspiring to see someone like Kamala achieving such great things,” said Serena Evans, who experienced racism at predominantly white schools in her native North Carolina before coming to Howard two years ago.

Evans followed in the footsteps of Harris, who began her studies at Howard in 1982. The university, located in the nation’s capital, is one of approximately 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country that primarily serve African American students.

For many students, HBCUs like Howard offer a supportive environment in a country still grappling with racism—despite some skeptics questioning the credibility of these institutions.

“Some people think we’re less developed compared to Ivy League schools like Harvard,” said Evans, who is studying classics.

With Harris running for president in the upcoming November election, Howard students are feeling “on top of the world,” according to 20-year-old Jomalee Smith.

“I believe that if Kamala wins, Howard will not only gain national recognition but global recognition as well,” said Smith, an international relations student. “It will open up more international job opportunities, not just in the U.S.”

Amidst the red-brick buildings and towering columns of Howard, white students are few, and pride in studying at the vice president’s alma mater is widespread. Harris, 59, frequently returns to the Washington campus and was there earlier this month preparing for her September debate against Donald Trump, according to the New York Times.

“She loves Howard,” said Yusuf Kareem, who came from Texas based on his cousin’s advice after her disappointing experience at a predominantly white university. “For people to see a Black woman potentially becoming president and coming from Howard University—it's a testament to our credibility.”

Howard has been the academic home to other prominent figures, including Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison and the first Black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.

“All we want is a fair opportunity, a chance to prove ourselves,” said Kareem, a second-year finance student.

Education access remains a challenge for racial minority groups in the U.S. While 28 percent of Black adults hold an undergraduate degree or higher, compared to around 40 percent of the general population, recent Supreme Court rulings limiting race considerations in college admissions have further complicated the landscape. For example, MIT saw a nine percentage point drop in admissions of Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander students following the ruling.

Howard, where 82 percent of last year’s incoming class was Black, stands out even more in this context. “Historically Black colleges offer a refuge, a place where you don't have to perform or pretend—you’re accepted as you are, which allows you to thrive,” said Opeyemi Faleye, a law student at Howard.

Sitting on a campus bench with his laptop, Faleye reflected on the role of HBCUs: “They’ve been the cornerstone of Black-centered education. As other institutions become more hostile or discriminatory, HBCUs will increasingly serve as vital sanctuaries.”