Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC — The Yard, the heart of Howard University, has always been more than just a meeting space. As the famed center of campus, it is a place where history, culture, and activism converge, from the roots of Greek life to organizing protests, rallies, and celebrations.
On Tuesday evening, this legendary site transformed again – this time into a political arena. Under the glow of stadium lights and surrounded by bleachers and jumbotrons, Howard alumni, students and supporters gathered to support one of their own: Vice President Kamala Harris.
As the crowd watched the results roll in, the excitement was palpable. “The Yard is the center,” said alumna Nia Naylor, former president of the Howard University Student Association. “The Yard is kind of the heart of Howard University and who we really are. It’s a mix of people. Everyone can mingle at the Yard, and you can see people you haven’t seen in years.
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 5: Supporters wave flags during an election night event held by Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at Howard University on November 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. Americans cast their votes today in the presidential race between Republican nominee President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as multiple state elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The meeting captured the essence of Howard, with The Yard being a powerful symbol of pride, unity and tradition. It is also the core of Howard’s legacy the Divine Ninethe Historically Black Greek-letter organizations, five of which were founded at the university – including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which Vice President Harris joined while a student.
The Werf has also been a space for community engagement and celebration throughout the university’s history. The Yard hosts graduation ceremonies, concerts and even student protests over the housing crises and conflict in Gaza.
Following a long legacy of civic leadership among Howard alumni including Zora Neale Hurston, Thurgood Marshall and Chadwick Boseman, Harris demonstrated that same drive for leadership when she ran for Freshman Class Representative of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences in 1982.
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 5: Members of Howard University sororities and fraternities dance on stage during an election night event for Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at Howard University on November 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. Americans cast their votes today in the presidential race between Republican nominee President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as multiple state elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
Naylor said she is inspired by Harris’ roles on campus and her running for president shows how far a commitment to leadership at Howard can take someone. “It feels great,” she said… “It really shows me everything I can do because as someone who just graduated with a political science (degree), I would love to do something like that and become president, so I see that that is feasible,” Naylor added. “To see a black woman in that position – let alone someone following in my footsteps – that’s amazing.”
The Yard is not only representative of work, but also a place of love. Howard alumni Phylicia and Michael Stuart attended the university with Harris from 1981 to 1986. The couple fell in love after seeing each other on campus, and have been together for more than 33 years.
The couple said they are proud to have walked the garden with the presidential candidate. Although things have changed since they left for college, they still enjoy coming back to support their former classmate. “Make no mistake: the students of Howard University are the seeds of tomorrow’s leaders, and we are so proud to be associated with Howard,” he said.
As the results of the 2024 presidential election were announced late into the night, the cheering and dancing began to die down as hope slowly faded with each state announcement shown to the crowd. Rashada Kaba, first-time voter and freshman, shared the sense of loss that had grown over the course of the evening. “I honestly don’t think she’s going to win,” Kaba said. “It’s really discouraging. I thought it would be close, but I thought she would win overall. I didn’t think or expect that I would become discouraged so early. I have a feeling this only started half an hour ago.
Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the Harris-Walz campaign, made the final announcement of the evening: Vice President Harris would not address the crowd on election night. Early Wednesday morning, the results came in, confirming that former President Donald Trump would be re-elected president of the United States.
US Vice President, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, walks onto the stage as she arrives to deliver her concession speech at Howard University in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2024. Donald Trump won a landslide victory in the US on November 6, 2024 presidential elections. defeating Kamala Harris to complete an astonishing political comeback that sent shockwaves around the world. (Photo by Tasos KATOPODIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by TASOS KATOPODIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
On Wednesday afternoon, the Yard once again became a backdrop for history. Although the election did not end as the community expected, spectators returned to the Yard to hear from the woman who inspired them to come out. The time spent waiting for the vice president included conversations, hugs and many tears.
When Vice President Harris took the stage from Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, the crowd cheered and chanted her name. Harris remained positive in her concession speech, thanking her supporters and staff.
“I’m so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it. Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have worked purposefully to build community and coalitions. Bringing people together from all walks of life and backgrounds,” said Harris.
Despite the loss, 2005 Howard alumna Marjorie Cherfilus said the main reason she came back today was to show support for her fellow Bison. “Everyone supports her. She did everything she could do. She was the top candidate, so we are here to support her,” she said.
Harris’ concession marked both an end and a continuation of a legacy that began decades earlier at the same shipyard she walked as a student. Her speech made it clear that she wants a democratic and peaceful transition of power with the Trump administration and that even though she did not win the election, there is still hope and the work is not yet done.
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 6: Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on stage as she acknowledges the election, at Howard University on November 6, 2024 in Washington, DC. After a controversial campaign focused on key battleground states, Republican presidential candidate, former US President Donald Trump, was expected to secure the majority of electoral votes, giving him a second term as US president. Republicans also gained control of the Senate for the first time in four years. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the outcome. She continued. “This is not the time to throw up our hands. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves.”
Vice President Harris encouraged everyone to stay positive even in times of darkness, to fill the sky with their light, and to embody the Howard motto of “Truth and Service.”
She affirmed, “The light of optimism, of faith, and of truth and service. HU–”
The crowd echoed back proudly and in unison, “You know!”
Rachel Bunch, a journalism major from Virginia, is a reporter for HUNewsService.com at Howard University.