One day after the Associated Press announced former president Donald Trump as the predicted winner of the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed community members on the campus of Howard University. 

Less than 24 hours before her concession speech, the Harris-Walz presidential campaign hosted an exciting watch party on the Vice President’s former college campus. A night that started with vibrant music, line dancing, and hope, turned solemn as election results came in throughout the evening. 

Ryanne Howard, a senior on Howard’s campus, said the mood declined rapidly from Tuesday night to Wednesday afternoon.

“Last night it was very lively. The room was bubbling, there was so much energy - and today it was a little bit different,” said Howard. “The energy was kind of zapped. We’re all very disappointed so I feel like the energy completely shifted tonight.”

Although the mood at Howard was much more somber on November 6, many people still came in person to hear what Harrist had to say. Grace Baranowski, a student at Georgetown University, said that she came across town to feel a deeper sense of community. 

“It was nice to be able to come together with other people who feel the same way,” said Baranowski. “I feel like we’re all a little on edge right now, so this was really good.” 

In her concession speech, Vice President Harris encouraged the American people to continue the fight that fueled her campaign, and reassured young people that everything was going to be okay. She urged Americans to accept the results of the election, reminding them that doing so “distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.” 

Garrison Andrews, another Howard University student, said Vice President Harris’s speech reminded him of a quote by another influential Black woman. 

“I think it speaks to a sort of reverberation about what Michelle Obama said - when they go low, we go high,” said Andrews. “Just because certain people have chosen to conduct themselves in a type of way in the past doesn’t mean we get to because we hold ourselves to a different standard.” 

Students said that despite the loss, Vice President Harris’ speech reminded them that their goals are still within reach. Harris reminded young people that one loss is not definite, and inspired them to keep fighting for the America of their dreams. 

“One of my dreams is to be the President of the United States, so the little girl in me was a little bit shattered,” said Howard. “I was crying during her speech, but it made me feel hopeful that this is not the end.”