Pride And Excitement At Howard University, Harris’ Alma Mater

Enlarge this image

Howard University students (from left) Ayanna Snead, Cheyne Thompson-Quartey and Paula Clark get ready to perform in Wednesday’s inaugural parade.

Liz Baker/NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Liz Baker/NPR

Enlarge this image

The Howard University Showtime Marching Band prepares before the inaugural parade.

Alina Selyukh/NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Alina Selyukh/NPR

The Howard University Showtime Marching Band prepares before the inaugural parade.

Alina Selyukh/NPR

She’s also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the sorority that Harris is a part of, and calls Harris a «big sister.» «It just means more than the world that I have this opportunity to be there with her,» Snead added. AKA has declared Wednesday to be Kamala D. Harris Day.

Harris is making history on Inauguration Day in multiple ways. She is the first female vice president of the United States. She’s also the first Black person and the first Asian American to hold that office.

«I honestly can’t believe it’s happening,» said Cheyne Thompson-Quartey, a Howard University junior and Flashy Flag Squad member. «It just means women empowerment — especially as a Black woman, especially as a Howard woman.»

It is official! Howard alumna, @KamalaHarris is now the Vice President of the United States of America! #HU2WH pic.twitter.com/Vfx9xLrhpI

— Howard University (@HowardU) January 20, 2021

Thompson-Quartey will be helping to carry the banner that leads the Howard drum line in the inaugural parade. «It’s just really inspiring that we get to escort her there — we, us Black women get to escort her, a Black woman, to the White House,» she said.

Howard University President Wayne Frederick offered congratulations to Harris on Inauguration Day.

«The struggles she had to endure to reach these unprecedented levels within our nation’s government have blazed a trail for others to follow,» he said. «We need only point to Kamala Harris when telling our children that anything they can imagine, they can achieve.»

Campus bells rang 49 times at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday in honor of Harris becoming the 49th vice president.

• Howard University
• Inauguration Day