President Biden Endorses Kamala Harris For President

by Chris Weems

As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Kamala Harris stands as a transformative figure
for Black Americans. With President Joe Biden stepping down, Harris has emerged as
the de facto Democratic nominee, embodying the aspirations of millions. Her journey,
marked by resilience, a commitment to justice, and a rich cultural heritage, holds
profound implications for the Black community in the United States.
President Biden immediately publicly endorsed Harris:
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my
Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full
support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.
Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
In an official statement of her own, Harris gracefully and enthusiastically accepted:
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win
this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with
Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will
continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite
the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme
Project 2025 agenda.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and her husband, former
President Bill Clinton, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic
nominee for president.
“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do
whatever we can to support her,” the Clintons said in a joint statement.
The Sentinel joins in these endorsements. Read on—we will lay out a case as to why.
Kamala Harris’s background is a vibrant tapestry of diverse heritages. Born to an Indian
mother and a Jamaican father, she embodies a confluence of cultures that enriches her
perspective and enhances her appeal. Despite attempts by some to undermine her
Black identity, Harris’s roots in Jamaica—a pivotal node in the trans-Atlantic slave
trade—undoubtedly connect her to the historical struggles of Black people. Her
upbringing in the Black community of California’s Bay Area further solidified her identity,
as her mother ensured she and her sister grew up as proud Black women.
Harris’s life story echoes the experiences of many Black Americans whose identities
have been shaped by both heritage and the pervasive realities of American racism. Her
candid acknowledgment of her Black identity and her experiences navigating a world
that often sees her primarily through the lens of race resonate deeply with many in the
Black community.

Harris’s political career has been marked by numerous firsts. As the first Black and
South Asian woman to serve as California’s Attorney General and the first woman of
color to hold the Vice President’s office, she has consistently broken barriers, paving the
way for future generations. Her tenure as Attorney General was particularly significant
for Black Americans, as she championed criminal justice reform, focusing on reducing
recidivism and addressing systemic inequities in the legal system.
During her time as California’s Attorney General, Harris established the Division of
Recidivism Reduction and Reentry, aiming to provide support and resources to formerly
incarcerated individuals. This initiative not only sought to reduce the likelihood of re-
offending but also aimed to address the root causes of criminal behavior, such as lack
of education and employment opportunities. Harris’s approach to criminal justice reform
has been both innovative and comprehensive, addressing the systemic issues that
disproportionately affect Black Americans.
Throughout her career, Harris has been a vocal advocate for justice and equality. Her
efforts to address police violence, protect voting rights, and promote economic
opportunities for marginalized communities have earned her respect and admiration. As
Vice President, she has continued to prioritize these issues, working alongside
President Biden to enact policies aimed at reducing racial disparities and fostering
inclusivity.
One of Harris’s notable achievements is her role in advocating for the George Floyd
Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive reform bill aimed at addressing police
misconduct and improving law enforcement accountability. Although the bill faced
challenges in Congress, Harris’s commitment to its principles underscores her
dedication to achieving meaningful change in the fight against systemic racism.
Harris has also been instrumental in promoting the John Lewis Voting Rights
Advancement Act, which seeks to restore and strengthen parts of the Voting Rights Act
of 1965 that have been weakened in recent years. Her advocacy for this legislation
demonstrates her commitment to ensuring that all Americans, particularly those in
marginalized communities, have equal access to the ballot box. Harris’s focus on voting
rights is crucial in safeguarding the democratic process and preventing voter
suppression tactics that disproportionately impact Black and minority voters.
Harris recognizes that economic empowerment and access to quality education are
crucial for uplifting Black communities. Her proposals include increasing funding for
historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), expanding access to affordable
healthcare, and implementing policies that support small businesses owned by people
of color. By prioritizing these areas, Harris aims to create pathways to prosperity and
ensure that Black Americans have the tools they need to succeed.
Under her leadership, the Biden-Harris administration has already taken significant
steps to support HBCUs, securing billions of dollars in federal funding to enhance their

infrastructure, academic programs, and student support services. This investment in
HBCUs is vital for providing Black students with the opportunities and resources they
need to excel academically and professionally.
In addition to her focus on education, Harris has championed policies aimed at closing
the racial wealth gap. Her proposals include increasing access to affordable housing,
expanding financial literacy programs, and implementing targeted tax credits for low-
and middle-income families. Harris’s comprehensive approach to economic
empowerment seeks to address the systemic barriers that have historically hindered
Black Americans from achieving financial stability and success.
Harris’s commitment to social justice extends to healthcare, where she has been a
staunch advocate for expanding access to quality healthcare services for marginalized
communities. The Biden-Harris administration has worked to strengthen the Affordable
Care Act (ACA), ensuring that millions of Americans have access to affordable health
insurance. Harris’s advocacy for expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet adopted
the program has been particularly impactful for low-income Black families who often
lack access to essential healthcare services.
In addition to her work on healthcare access, Harris has also been a vocal proponent of
addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black Americans. She has
supported initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates among Black women,
addressing the social determinants of health, and ensuring that healthcare providers
receive cultural competency training to better serve diverse populations.
Her commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable future aligns with the broader
goals of achieving social and economic justice for all Americans.
Perhaps one of Kamala Harris’s most significant contributions is her ability to inspire the
next generation of leaders. Her story, marked by perseverance and a commitment to
justice, serves as a powerful example for young Black Americans. Harris’s rise to the
highest levels of government demonstrates that barriers can be overcome, and that
representation matters.
Harris’s ability to connect with young people is evident in her efforts to engage with
students and youth organizations across the country. She has participated in numerous
town halls, panel discussions, and mentoring programs, sharing her experiences and
encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their
communities. Harris’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders is a
testament to her belief in the importance of cultivating a diverse and inclusive political
landscape.
As she takes on the mantle of the Democratic nominee for President, Kamala Harris
carries with her the hopes and dreams of millions of Black Americans. Her vision for a
more just and equitable society, coupled with her proven track record of advocacy and

reform, positions her as a beacon of hope in a time when the nation is grappling with
profound social and political challenges.
Kamala Harris’s candidacy for President represents a historic moment for Black
America. Her multifaceted identity, coupled with her unwavering commitment to justice,
equality, and economic empowerment, promises a future where the voices and
concerns of Black Americans are heard and addressed at the highest levels of
government. As she continues to break barriers and inspire change, Kamala Harris
stands poised to lead the nation toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Her leadership
and vision offer a transformative opportunity for Black Americans to achieve greater
equity and representation in a society that has long struggled with systemic racism and
inequality.
Kamala Harris’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of
representation, and the enduring quest for justice. Her story is not just one of personal
triumph, but of a collective aspiration for a more just and equitable society. As she
embarks on this new chapter in her political career, Black Americans can look to
Kamala Harris with hope and anticipation, knowing that she will continue to fight for their
rights, their dignity, and their future.