In Her Concession Speech to the Country, Harris Gives Howard Hope

On the campus grounds of a university she once knew as a student, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to an audience who needed a pick-me-up.

Some people wiped away tears. Others hugged and held hands. The crowd, filled with hundreds of Howard students and Harris supporters, was processing the loss of her historic race for the White House and the onset of former president Donald Trump’s second term in office.

“I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time,” Harris said. “But for the benefit of us all…let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”

Cheers rang from the student section of The Yard following the vice president’s ode to Howard’s “In truth and service” motto. 

“H-U,” she said through a wide grin. “You know,” students responded.

After replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee in August, Harris ran an unprecedented three-month campaign, advocating for abortion access and economic prosperity for American workers. She gave a concession speech at Howard on Nov. 6 after Trump secured 295 electoral college votes, beating Harris’ 226.

The crowd booed when Harris said she called her opponent to congratulate him but clapped when she said she would “engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”

She began her 11-minute speech by giving thanks to her team and supporters and said her heart was “full of love” and “resolve,” despite the election not going in her favor.

“The light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up. As long as we keep fighting,” she said.

Harris expressed pride in what her campaign has done. She said the campaign was very intentional about building community and coalition within 107 days.

Addressing young people in the crowd, she acknowledged the negative emotions her supporters were feeling. Harris assured the audience that she understood how they felt. 

“It’s okay to be sad and disappointed but please know it’s going to be okay,” she said. 

Harris’ speech was met with tears in the crowd, including her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Spectators were seen hugging each other as a means of support. 

Harris said that her concession does not mean she is done working towards the values of her platform.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuels this campaign,” she said.

Harris went on to state that the fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and the fight for the fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone to be respected and upheld is still a main goal of hers.

“When we fight we win, but here’s the thing…sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win,” Harris said, reiterating one of her campaign slogans.

Harris told the audience not to be discouraged and to never stop fighting to make the world a better place.

“This is not a time to throw up our hands, this is a time to roll up our sleeves. Now is when the American people should mobilize, organize and engage,” Harris said.

Harris walked off the stage into the entrance of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, as her campaign song, “Freedom” by Beyonce, blared through the speakers. Spectators waved their American flags and “Harris-Walz” posters in the air.

After the speech was over, there was a sorrowful yet hopeful energy on The Yard.

Melvin Roy, a therapeutic mentor, expressed feelings of sadness in response to Trump’s victory. He said that after following the election closely and observing the contrast between Trump and Harris, he felt the country had veered onto a troubling path filled with uncertainty. 

“My heart breaks today, not just for myself but everyone else. The children I have yet to have and my friends’ children,” he said.

Roy came to hear Harris’ speech despite feelings of heartbreak to show support. 

“It’s just baffling to know that this is the world that we’re living in,” he said.

Renee Lobby, a freshman film major from London, England, showed gratitude to Harris, mentioning that it was huge for her to be getting on stage and giving her speech.

“I’m just grateful that we’ve had such a powerful Howard alumna come back and grace us with her presence,” she said. “She’s an inspiration to us all.”

Raquel Tartt, a freshman honors psychology major from Atlanta, was also in attendance and doubled down on Harris being an inspiration to many.

“No matter the results, she came so far, she did an incredible job– she’s an inspiration to a lot of women, especially women of color,” she said.

Tartt also expressed concern about Project 2025, especially its potential to dismantle the Department of Education, which could significantly impact federally funded institutions like Howard. 

Other spectators also expanded on what this election means for the entire country and where America currently stands. 

Charmion Kinder, a volunteer with the Harris-Walz campaign who previously worked in The White House for former President Barack Obama’s campaign expressed her thoughts about the election outcome.

“I feel like we have a lot of work to do in America to continue to see each other, to continue to understand how democracy works and how policy is going to impact people. I think we have to continue dialogue across the aisle,” she said.

Kaylei Ballard, a freshman biology major from Port Arthur, Texas, credited Harris’ loss to misogyny in the United States.

“America’s not ready for a woman to be president yet,” Ballard said.