Kamala Harris comes to Indianapolis
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The VP is coming to Indy. Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee is spending Wednesday in the Circle City.
Why it matters: Vice President Harris' afternoon address to the biannual Zeta Phi Beta Sorority national convention at Indiana Convention Center has quickly transformed from a high-profile visit to a crucial stop for her newly established presidential campaign.
- Just hours after President Biden stepped out of the race and endorsed his VP, Harris 2024 hit the ground running by breaking the internet and fundraising records while consolidating Democratic support.
The big picture: Harris' stop in Indy is appropriate considering how Black women have quickly rallied behind her in the last few days.
- On Sunday night, more than 90,000 participated in a call organized by Win With Black Women and generated $1.5 million for Harris in just three hours, organizers said.
- Among the attendees was Zeta Phi Beta International President Stacie NC Grant, who told Axios that being part of that call was "completely magical."
What she's saying: "We come together to have each other's back. We come together to work through issues and problems. We come together to raise our children … to care for our elderly," Grant continued.
- "We come together to lift one another up. And when we are standing on business, we are an unstoppable force of nature. That's what that call was."
Plus: On Monday night, Win With Black Men followed their lead by generating more than $1.3 million during another call.
Zoom out: In addition to Harris, the six-day conference brings a loaded agenda to downtown Indy. Other highlights include:
- A pitch competition to support women-owned Indy businesses in the health, beauty and wellness industries. Grant said that focus is a nod to the legacy of Madam CJ Walker.
- An awards ceremony will award $125,000 scholarships to two high school seniors.
- Music performances from After 7, Big Daddy Kane, YoYo, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, Chrisette Michelle, Wendy McIntyre and more.
Zoom in: The gathering will also kick off a new nationwide initiative to help end period poverty in partnership with Indiana's Project Period nonprofit.
- The initiative will begin in Indy with an effort that has already surpassed its goals to raise$90,000 and create 10,000 period care packages for women and girls in need,
Go deeper: Harris puts Democratic Party's "backbone" front and center: Black women