With the 2024 election season heating up, the Harris-Walz campaign is hitting the road with a dynamic new strategy aimed at mobilizing young Black voters. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have officially launched their Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour, targeting pivotal battleground states ahead of election day.

Connecting with Gen-Z and Millennials at HBCUs

As the race for the White House narrows with less than 40 days to go, Harris and her opponent, Donald Trump, are aggressively working to win over undecided voters, particularly in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada. Both candidates understand the growing influence of Gen-Z and millennial voters, especially within the Black community. This group has shown an increased level of engagement in the 2024 election, with voters under 35 making up 81% of new registrations on National Voter Registration Day, according to Vote.gov.

The Importance of HBCU Homecomings

HBCU homecomings are much more than just football games and reunions – they are powerful cultural celebrations that honor the history, heritage, and academic achievements of Black Americans. For many, these events are a reflection of the progress made in education and civil rights, and they provide a perfect backdrop for political outreach.

Homecoming season draws thousands of current students, alumni, and families to campus for a series of events. Harris and Walz are tapping into this unique energy by visiting some of the most prominent HBCUs across the nation, beginning with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in North Carolina on September 28, where they hosted a tailgate for the WSSU vs. Bowie State University game. Despite the challenges caused by Hurricane Helene, the event brought together students and supporters alike.

Key Tour Stops and Special Moments

A particularly significant stop on the tour will be Howard University, Harris’ alma mater. As a proud graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Harris will join in celebrating Howard’s 100th homecoming on October 19. This historic occasion is set to be a memorable one, with thousands of alumni expected to attend and the Vice President herself leading the charge.

The campaign will wrap up in Georgia with stops at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, where Harris and Walz aim to energize young voters ahead of election day.

Tour Schedule

Here’s a look at the current schedule for the Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour:

• Sept. 28 – Winston-Salem State University
• Oct. 12 – Lincoln University
• Oct. 12 – Virginia State University
• Oct. 19 – Howard University
• Oct. 19 – North Carolina A&T State University
• Oct. 19 – Clark Atlanta University
• Oct. 26 – Morehouse College
• Oct. 26 – Spelman College

More campus visits may be announced in the coming days as the campaign continues its efforts to engage and mobilize voters.

Why This Matters

The Harris-Walz HBCU Homecoming Tour isn’t just about political rallies – it’s about recognizing the significance of these educational institutions in shaping Black leaders of tomorrow. By connecting with students and alumni, the campaign is making a concerted effort to address the issues that matter most to young Black voters, from education and healthcare to civil rights and economic justice.

Stay tuned for more updates from the tour as Harris and Walz continue their journey through HBCU campuses, rallying voters to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.