Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech at Howard University: A Call for Unity and Continued Fight
In a heartfelt and poignant address at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant moment in the aftermath of the recent election. Just hours after calling President-elect Donald Trump to concede, Harris took to the podium, embodying both grace and resilience as she addressed a crowd eager to hear her thoughts on the election results.
As the opening notes of Beyoncé’s empowering anthem “Freedom” filled the air, Harris emerged in a sleek black pantsuit, greeted by cheers from supporters who had gathered to hear her message. “My heart is full today, full of gratitude,” she began, setting a tone of appreciation and reflection. She took a moment to thank President Biden, her family, and the Walz family, acknowledging the hard work of her supporters and volunteers. “I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she emphasized, highlighting the integrity of her campaign.
Harris recognized the mixed emotions swirling in the crowd, saying, “Now I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it.” This acknowledgment resonated deeply, especially when she mentioned her call to President-elect Trump, prompting audible boos from the audience. It was a moment that underscored the passion and commitment of her supporters, who were still grappling with the election’s outcome.
Despite the disappointment, Harris urged everyone to accept the results, stating, “We must accept the results of this election.” She reassured her supporters that she would certify the election results on January 6, but emphasized that loyalty must always lie with the Constitution. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign: the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, for the dignity of all people,” she declared, reinforcing her commitment to the values that guided her campaign.
Throughout her speech, Harris reiterated her stances on critical issues such as gun control and abortion rights, vowing to continue the fight in various arenas. “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courtroom, in the public square,” she asserted, rallying her supporters to remain engaged and active.
In a touching moment, Harris reached out to younger supporters, saying, “To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed. But please know it’s going to be okay.” Her words served as a comforting reminder that while the election may not have gone as hoped, the journey for justice and equality continues.
“This is not a time to throw up our hands, but to roll up our sleeves,” Harris concluded, leaving the crowd with a sense of purpose and determination. Her speech was not just a concession; it was a call to action, urging everyone to stay committed to the ideals they believe in and to keep fighting for a better future.
As the sun set over Howard University, Harris’s message echoed in the hearts of her supporters: while the election may have ended, the fight for a fair and just society is far from over.
