Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s biennial convention in Dallas on Wednesday, in what is considered a crucial appearance for the Biden-Harris reelection campaign. Harris, a former member of AKA during her time at Howard University, has strong ties to the oldest historically Black sorority in the country. Her sorority sisters have been vocal supporters throughout her political career, particularly during her presidential campaign four years ago.
The timing of Harris’ address at AKA’s 71st Boule is significant as President Biden’s administration faces challenges related to Israel’s conflict with Gaza, concerns about his age and mental acuity, and economic worries. The Boule, held every two years, brings together members from around the world for various events, including certification training, forums, workshops, and community service projects. The event is expected to draw more than 20,000 members in Dallas, where Harris will speak on the importance of “Advocating for Social Justice.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has emphasized the initiative of social justice advocacy, which includes voter education, registration, mobilization, and candidate forums. Members attending the Boule expressed eagerness to hear Harris discuss issues such as abortion rights, funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and student loan forgiveness. The speech is seen as critical in mobilizing sorority members to vote in the upcoming election.
AKA, with over 360,000 graduate and undergraduate members, was founded in 1908 at Howard University. Glynda Carr, a member of AKA and president of Higher Heights for America, highlighted the importance of Black women’s engagement in politics, emphasizing that their influence extends beyond the voting booth. Harris’ speech is expected to address the need for unity amidst ongoing political divisions, reproductive rights, and the fight for social justice to bolster confidence in the Biden campaign.
As Harris continues to support President Biden amid questions about his candidacy, Democrats have floated her name as a potential nominee if Biden were to step aside. While Biden attends the NATO summit in Washington this week, Harris will be on the campaign trail with stops in Dallas, Las Vegas, and North Carolina. The vice president remains focused on the upcoming election, underscoring the significance of preventing a second Trump term.
In a moderated conversation over the weekend, Harris emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, describing it as the most significant in a lifetime. She warned against the prospect of a return to the former president’s administration and stressed the need for unity and engagement to secure a better future for all Americans.
