Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely positioned to tap into a powerful, often underutilized voting bloc: the Divine Nine. This collective refers to the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that have made significant impacts on American culture and politics. Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha—one of the Divine Nine organizations—represents a bridge between these influential groups and the political arena, offering a new level of mobilization and engagement in the upcoming elections.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the oldest Black sorority in the country, has been a cornerstone of Harris's life and career. Her association with this organization not only reflects her deep-rooted connections within the Black Greek community but also provides her campaign with a vast network of members who are experienced in activism, community organizing, and volunteerism. With more than 2 million members across the Divine Nine, Harris's campaign has access to a substantial and motivated voter base.
Harris's ties to Alpha Kappa Alpha are longstanding. She pledged to the sorority in 1986 while at Howard University, and her affiliation has been a source of pride and support throughout her career. The Divine Nine organizations, known for their commitment to community service and civic engagement, are rallying behind Harris in a way that could significantly influence voter turnout and mobilization efforts.
Recently, Kiahna W. Davis, a regional director of Alpha Kappa Alpha, established a political action committee dedicated to supporting Harris. This move highlights the sorority's commitment to leveraging its resources and network to advance Harris’s political goals. Deidra Davis, a graduate adviser for the sorority, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to increase Black Americans' involvement in civic activities and voting processes.
Harris has not shied away from emphasizing her Greek affiliations in her campaign. She frequently acknowledges the Divine Nine’s cultural and political significance, using her platform to highlight the contributions and impact of these organizations. During a recent biennial convention, she addressed a crowd of around 20,000 Alpha Kappa Alpha members, underscoring the sorority's legacy of fighting for social justice and civil rights.
The Divine Nine’s potential to influence this election is not limited to Harris alone. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, which governs these nine organizations, has shown that their collective power extends beyond cultural influence into the realm of political mobilization. This year, the council has committed to an unprecedented campaign to boost voter registration and turnout, further demonstrating their ability to effect change on a national scale.
Minyon Moore, Democratic National Convention chair and an Alpha Kappa Alpha member, highlighted the significance of this movement. She noted that the Divine Nine’s involvement in Harris’s campaign reflects a broader commitment to service and advocacy for Black communities. Moore’s statement emphasizes the strategic importance of this voting bloc in the upcoming elections, suggesting that Harris’s connection to the Divine Nine could prove pivotal in galvanizing support.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha and the broader Divine Nine presents a unique and influential opportunity in American politics. By leveraging this extensive network, Harris’s campaign aims to energize and mobilize a significant segment of voters, potentially altering the political landscape and reinforcing the importance of these organizations in the electoral process.
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