WASHINGTON DC, USA – In a heartfelt concession speech delivered at Howard University, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss in the presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump, pledging to continue fighting for the ideals that fuelled her campaign.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters, including students, staff, and notable political figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harris warned of potential challenges ahead while calling on her supporters to hold onto hope and perseverance.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said, addressing a somber audience that included aides from the Biden administration and Howard University students, many visibly moved.
Harris, the first woman of colour and first HBCU graduate to be on a major party’s presidential ticket, vowed to remain steadfast in her fight for women’s rights, gun safety, and “the dignity that all people deserve.”
Reflecting on Trump’s victory, Harris expressed hope that the nation’s democratic principles would guide the future.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she noted, alluding to Trump’s previous attempts to cast doubt on the electoral process.
Harris confirmed she had spoken with Trump to congratulate him on his win and promised to ensure a peaceful transition.
In an emotional closing, Harris encouraged young people and her supporters to continue fighting for change.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” she declared, “but the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
A Historic Moment, Even in Defeat
The Howard University crowd had gathered just weeks after a homecoming rally celebrated Harris as a potential symbol of historic progress, with thousands of students and alumni joining in anticipation of the first HBCU graduate as president.
Harris’s campaign anthem, Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” played as she took the stage on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, reinforcing the spirit of resilience that has characterised her journey.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, joined the audience along with thousands of supporters who had gathered the previous night in hopes of a historic victory.
Donna Bruce, a 72-year-old supporter, said she attended to show “love and respect” for Harris’s efforts, expressing optimism for the future: “I believe a Black girl will save the world…it may not be this Black girl, but I believe a Black girl will.”
Jamela Joseph, a Howard doctoral student, spoke about her disappointment, saying, “America had its opportunity to move forward in a progressive and intentional manner, and as a nation…it’s going to repeat itself and its legacy.”
Acknowledging the challenges that lay ahead, Harris urged her supporters to carry on with “optimism, faith, truth, and service.”
“Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win,” she assured the crowd.
With this message, Harris’s speech underscored her commitment to public service, pledging to continue the work her campaign began.
