Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend Howard University’s homecoming this weekend, her office confirmed Friday. Instead, the Howard alumna and Democratic presidential nominee issued an exclusive letter to The Hilltop Saturday in support of the university’s 100th homecoming celebration.
In her Oct. 19 letter, Harris, who graduated from Howard in 1986, said her time at the school shaped her into who she is today.
“At Howard, we learn that we have the capacity to be great and also that we have the responsibility to work hard to live up to that potential each day,” she said.
Harris also said she and President Joe Biden are committed to supporting HBCUs.
“We have taken historic actions to ensure all students have the resources they need to thrive. This includes increasing the size of Pell Grants, forgiving more student debt than any other administration in history and investing an unprecedented $17 billion in HBCUs,” Harris said.
Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, unveiled a tentative tour schedule on Sept. 28 that features stops at several HBCUs across the country. According to the announcement, the tour was set to visit Howard on Oct. 19 during homecoming weekend, though it was not confirmed whether Harris or Walz themselves would make appearances instead of campaign representatives.
With Election Day just 17 days away, Harris is currently leading Donald Trump with about 49 percent in the national polling averages, according to ABC News poll FiveThirtyEight Interactives.
Harris said that although she and Biden have worked to support HBCUs, they have more to do.
“We know more needs to be done, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we build a brighter future for all,” Harris said.
Harris ended the statement with celebratory remarks.
“I am proud to be an alumna of Howard University, and I send you all my best wishes for a wonderful homecoming celebration,” Harris said.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
