HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats are hosting an event in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
Harris has seen a groundswell of support since Sunday when President Biden announced his seismic decision to drop out of the presidential race.
Just minutes after Biden’s announcement, he endorsed Harris for president. Other prominent Democrats, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, quickly followed suit and threw their support behind Harris.
By Monday, Harris had picked up enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. The same day, the Democratic Party of Virginia endorsed Harris.
“We felt it was important and we threw our support [behind Vice President] Kamala Harris,” said Gaylene Kanoyton, the first vice chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia and President of Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats. President Biden has made historic progress in our country, more than any president has done. She has been right there with them. We felt it was important that we come together to vote and to make a decision to support her as a delegation so we can continue on moving progress forward.”
During the ‘Lets Finish the Job Grassroots Summit’, there will be voter education and mobilization training. as well as information on how to get involved with political campaigns.
Guest speakers include U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, state Sen. Louise Lucas, state Sen. Mamie Locke on Project 2025, followed by a push to get young voters on social media.
“We have another panel of influencers, young people, DJs, promoters, the people that actually talk to the grassroots on how important this election is, and it’s going to bring us all together,” Kanoyton said.
Kanoyton said this election will set a precedent for the future of out country.
“It’s about not only this generation, but generations to come,” Kanoyton said. “The message is clear. Do we want to have a convict to be the President of the United States? Or do we want a prosecutor, someone who is qualified, someone who has been with President Biden since day one, when this president has been with him and has done record numbers of progress and passed laws to move Virginians and Americans forward?”
The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Hampton High School.
“We are united,” Kanoyton said. “We understand what our mission is. We know what our job is.”