Following United States President Joseph R. Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, July 21, Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, awaited the administration’s next move. This ignited a fire underneath the Black community, particularly among Generation Z (Gen-Z), to actively promote sitting United States Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential nominee and generate millions of dollars in campaign funds. Not only could Harris potentially make history as the first Black-Asian American woman president, but it will also signify a new era of democracy.
While a handful of young Black democratic voters initially felt immense uncertainty pertaining to the future when Biden stepped down, they felt a sense of relief and optimism about the possibilities going forward. Due to his old age, many were worried about Biden’s lack of cognitive awareness and his inability to articulate himself when spotlights were placed on him.
“I definitely felt so much relief. Although he has done so many positive things, his age was definitely a concern to so many people, especially after watching the debate. A lot of people in our generation were so unenthusiastic about this candidacy, so the idea of giving him four more years seemed unrealistic,” 23-year-old Johns Hopkins University student Kiara Thompson said.
The Young Democrats of Georgia Black Caucus chairman Davante Jennings felt as though Americans’ voices were being heard when Biden executed the life-changing decision. The 27-year-old individual stated that society frequently claims that their opinions are insignificant, but this particular instance proved them wrong, as their concern regarding Biden’s re-election was finally acknowledged.
“It actually gave me more respect for Joe Biden, because I don’t know how many people would have been able to put their ego aside, and actually do what’s best for the country,” Jennings said.
Social media has served as a powerful medium to educate younger generations about the importance of voting. Policies regarding a wide range of issues, including reproductive justice laws and gun control, will be contingent upon voter turnout.
“Our rights are going to be put on the ballot in November, so it’s important to remember that this is a world that we are building for ourselves. This is a society that we are going to exist in for a long time, and this is one of the most crucial presidential races that we’ve had in a very long time,” 19-year-old Spelman College student Gabrielle Dandridge said.
This presidential campaign has highlighted topics that individuals have previously neglected to investigate. According to Dandridge, society must recognize the detrimental policies that they will collectively enable if they do not educate themselves.
21-year-old Morehouse College student James McGee feels as though news outlets and people on social media do not always accurately depict current events, and Gen-Z must explore other sources in order to properly inform themselves.
“I tell my peers to educate themselves. Don’t just look at what’s on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Educate yourself on what is going on in the world through several platforms,” McGee said. “That will give them a better understanding of what change they want to see in the world, and who the best person is to make it happen.”
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) alike realize that their students are the incoming adults, and all elections will impact the livelihood of their futures. Political groups and various organizations on campus aim to keep students politically informed, and remain adamant about registering to vote.
“I’m on the e-board of the organization for African students at UVA, and we’re planning on doing a voting registration drive. It’s not just us, but it will be almost every organization on campus and even the politics department will have them,” 19-year-old University of Virginia student Belcy Emerson said.
Although time will only tell, the young Black democratic generation remains optimistic about the upcoming election. Having previously witnessed one Black president, Gen-Z is confident that another one can be elected through commitment, diligence and support.
“I think VP Harris is so articulate and she’s beyond qualified for the position. She fully explains her intentions in a way that everyday Americans can understand and I love her messaging,” Voters of Tomorrow GA chapter Vice President Marion Smart said.