In an unprecedented show of support, over 44,000 people, primarily led by Black women, joined a Zoom call to back U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, raising more than $1.5 million for her presidential campaign in just three hours, according to The Washington Post. This surge in support comes as Harris positions herself for a historic bid to become the first female president of the United States.
Harris expresses gratitude and commitment
Expressing her appreciation for the overwhelming support, Kamala Harris reaffirmed her dedication to securing the Democratic presidential nomination. This comes just two days after President Joe Biden, who had been seeking re-election, announced his decision to step aside. “When I announced my campaign for President, I said I intended to go out and earn this nomination. Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon,” Harris said in a statement.
The backbone of the Democratic Party
Jotaka Eaddy, founder of ‘Win With Black Women,’ emphasized the crucial role Black and Brown women play in the Democratic Party. “Anybody that does not think that Black and Brown women are the backbone of this party (Democratic), they don’t know us,” she stated. Eaddy’s organization, which focuses on electing Black women nationwide and combating racism and sexism, has been organizing such calls since August 2020.
A historic gathering
The call, which felt akin to a church service or family reunion, attracted several celebrities and political figures. Attendees spoke in their personal capacities, adding a unique and intimate atmosphere to the event. During the 2020 election, the largest Zoom call organized by Eaddy had 1,500 participants. Sunday’s call, however, saw over 44,000 attendees, showcasing the growing momentum and support for Harris.
The large volume of participants presented challenges for Zoom, which typically has a 1,000-person capacity. Once this limit was reached, members of Eaddy’s organization contacted Zoom, which then upgraded the event to a webinar format, allowing unlimited attendees. “I am forever grateful to the leadership of Zoom for what they did,” Eaddy said.
Honoring the legacy of black women
“What happened last night was historic,” Eaddy added. “It really is the culmination of so many Black women for years and years and years that have been working, cultivating, and creating for this moment. And last night was also a homage, a work to them and their sacrifice.”
Notable speakers and figures
The call featured notable speakers such as Bernice King, the youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr., and 85-year-old Democratic Senator Maxine Waters, the most senior Black woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event underscored the significant influence and dedication of Black women in shaping the future of American politics.