HBCU Homecomings: Can Trump Steal Young Black Voters from Harris?

As fall approaches, homecoming season is about to kick off at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), bringing with it the excitement of football games, step shows, concerts, and deep-rooted traditions. But this year, the homecoming celebrations offer more than just a cultural reunion for alumni and students—they present a key political opportunity. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are eyeing HBCU campuses as pivotal battlegrounds to gain the support of young Black voters.

The Importance of HBCU Homecomings

HBCUs have always played a significant role in shaping Black political thought and activism. Many prominent leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rep. John Lewis, honed their leadership skills at HBCUs. Today, these institutions remain a vital hub for educating and empowering future leaders in the Black community.

Homecomings are the heartbeat of these institutions, attracting thousands of students, alumni, and influential figures from across the country. They’re also a reflection of the political and social pulse of Black America. With the 2024 election heating up, both parties recognize that capturing the attention of these communities—especially young voters—could make or break their campaigns.

Donald Trump’s Challenge: A New Approach

Former President Donald Trump has struggled with gaining support from Black voters, particularly during his first term. His administration’s policies, ranging from criminal justice reform to economic investments, were pitched as beneficial to the Black community, but many young voters remain skeptical of his leadership. However, Trump’s team sees HBCU homecomings as a strategic avenue to change the narrative.

During his presidency, Trump increased funding for HBCUs through the FUTURE Act and made permanent a $255 million annual funding allocation to these schools. His supporters argue that his contributions to HBCU financial stability are proof of his commitment to Black institutions, even if broader racial concerns and rhetoric have tainted his relationship with many young Black voters.

Trump’s approach for 2024 includes sending surrogates to these campuses during homecoming events, focusing on his record with HBCU funding and his efforts toward criminal justice reform with the First Step Act. The challenge will be convincing young Black voters that these policies outweigh the controversies surrounding race that defined his time in office.

Kamala Harris: Reclaiming the Base

On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris has deep connections to HBCUs. As an alumna of Howard University, she proudly represents the legacy of HBCU graduates in national politics. However, despite the excitement surrounding her historic election in 2020, Harris and the Biden administration have faced criticism from some younger Black voters who feel that their concerns, particularly on issues such as student loan debt and police reform, have not been fully addressed.

The Biden-Harris administration has made strides in student debt relief and invested in underserved communities, but lingering dissatisfaction remains. This homecoming season, Harris is expected to make her presence felt at several major HBCU campuses, rallying support and highlighting the administration’s achievements, including its recent decision to forgive billions in student loans, which directly benefits many Black graduates.

Her campaign hopes to use her HBCU connections and background as a former member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to galvanize students and alumni. The question remains: will young voters, especially those increasingly leaning toward progressive ideals, be swayed by her efforts, or will they opt for alternative candidates that better reflect their priorities?

Young Black Voters: Key to 2024

The stakes are high for both parties. The youth vote—especially among young Black voters—has been a critical swing factor in recent elections. In 2020, Black voter turnout played a significant role in securing President Joe Biden’s victory, especially in key states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. But a growing number of young Black voters are frustrated with the current political system, feeling that neither party has fully addressed issues like racial justice, economic inequality, and climate change.

HBCU homecomings offer Trump and Harris a chance to speak directly to this demographic and shift the momentum in their favor. Both candidates need to demonstrate that they understand the concerns of young Black voters and that their policies will create tangible change.

The Road Ahead: Can They Connect?

While HBCU homecomings are a time for celebration and community building, they are also an opportunity for young Black voters to engage politically. For Trump, the challenge will be overcoming his past rhetoric and convincing students that his administration’s policies were beneficial for their future. For Harris, the task is to reconnect with the HBCU base and prove that the Biden administration’s work is far from over.

As these candidates converge on campuses this fall, one thing is clear: HBCU homecomings will be a critical space for political engagement and could very well shape the direction of the 2024 election. With the clock ticking, both Trump and Harris are running out of time to secure the support of young Black voters—but they know homecoming season might just give them one last shot.