MADISON, Wisconsin – Vice President Kamala Harris revisited a significant place as she approaches the conclusion of her presidential campaign.

With her campaign focused on safeguarding personal liberties and upholding democracy, she delivered her message on Wednesday evening near the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her progressive parents were actively involved in civil rights initiatives during the late ’60s. She addressed a crowd of nearly 10,000, predominantly women, at the Alliant Energy Center.

During her speech, Harris promised to pursue common ground and sensible solutions as president. “I am not aiming to score political points. My goal is to drive progress,” she stated.

Harris frequently reminiscences about spending part of her early childhood (ages 3 to 5) in a two-bedroom house with a view of Lake Mendota, located in a key swing state.

Her father, Donald Harris, a Jamaican-American economics professor, was an outspoken advocate for Black students in 1969, supporting efforts to establish a Black Studies program. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-American, served as a cancer researcher at the university.

“I grew up witnessing the civil rights movement, surrounded by adults dedicated to service and community. These experiences motivated me to become a lawyer and advocate for justice for those without a voice,” she shared in a 2016 Facebook post.

Although Harris’s parents shared similar social and political beliefs, their marriage ended in divorce in the early ’70s. Her mother later moved to work as a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, while her father took a position at nearby Stanford University.

In the tree-lined Spring Harbor neighborhood where she spent her childhood, numerous signs promote support for Harris.

On Wednesday morning, John Wiencek, a 68-year-old dentist enjoying a walk in the area, mentioned he had already cast his vote for Harris.

Wiencek, who identifies as an independent, explained that he primarily voted for Republican candidates until 2016 when Donald Trump became the Republican nominee.

Since then, he has supported Democratic candidates in the presidential elections of 2016, 2020, and now 2024, reflecting his dissatisfaction with Trump. “I believe America has always been great,” he stated, referring to Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

Wiencek remarked that the neighborhood is notable, as “50% of the residents hold Ph.D.s and tend to lean liberal.”

Early supporter of African American studies

At the university’s Department of African American Studies, Professor Emerita Freida High Wasikhongo Tesfagiogris, visiting the department on Wednesday, expressed her appreciation for Donald Harris’ advocacy for Black students during a critical period.

High, who was a graduate student in 1969, was part of the committee exploring the establishment of an “Afro-American” studies department.

“There were faculty members who opposed Black studies and argued it was unnecessary,” she recounted. “So having support for it at that time was revolutionary.”

High noted that it is “wonderful to see a faculty member who supported the cause, whose daughter is now the vice president.”

Harris’s campaign shows clear signs of her parents’ progressive beliefs, she noted.

High commented, “Her focus is on humanity, which is the essence of African American studies. It’s about understanding people and ensuring every story is shared.”

Anticipating Their First Presidential Vote

On campus, students were excitedly preparing for the Harris rally that took place Wednesday afternoon. YSL News chatted with four supporters of Harris who were about to cast their votes in their first presidential election.

Having a female candidate who prioritizes reproductive rights and aims to unify the nation is refreshing, they expressed.

Violet Bluestein, a 21-year-old senior at the university, was excited to attend her second Harris rally since September.

She recalled a touching moment from an earlier rally:

“I saw a young Black girl being lifted on her dad’s shoulders,” shared the Vermont native. “It brought me to tears. It’s inspiring to see someone who looks like you in politics.”

Bluestein expressed her belief that a Harris presidency could restore the nation’s sense of “humanity, goodness, and unity.”

“I just long for a country that I can once again take pride in,” she stated.

Elizabeth Cahill, a 20-year-old junior studying sociology and genetics, hails from just outside of Chicago.

Cahill said, “Many see her as an empowering figure and someone who fights for herself and for others who may not resemble her. It’s beautiful to see someone represent all demographics.”

She added that Harris’ candidacy feels overdue and hopes it will inspire more women to enter politics and succeed.

Margaret Murphy-Weise, another 21-year-old senior from San Francisco, expressed joy at participating in such a crucial election.

She described Harris as possessing a “maternal instinct” and lauded her ability to embrace her feminine side, contrasting Harris with Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful run in 2016.

“To me, a strong woman can balance both angles – the feminine touch while holding powerful positions,” she remarked. “It makes her relatable.”

As a double major in political science and Chinese studies, Murphy-Weise expressed her pride as an Asian American to see a woman of color seeking the presidency.

“Having someone who represents me is incredibly significant and exciting,” she said.

Marley Miller, 21, a senior majoring in political science and international relations from Wayland, Massachusetts, concurred, noting her admiration for Harris’ support of women and women’s rights.

“Electing a woman of color as President would signify a profound achievement for American democracy, especially given the many societal issues and persistent inequalities,” stated the senior.