A notable list of HBCU football legends, including 10 hall of famers and two Super Bowl MVPs, penned a letter endorsing current Vice President and Howard alumna Kamala Harris for president.
Some 52 former HBCU football players and coaches, including Super Bowl champions Mel Blount, Antoine Bethea, Harry Carson, Emerson Boozer, Art Shell, and Richard Dent, as well as coaches Bill Hayes, Pete Richardson, and Billy Joe, are enthusiastic about Harris and VP candidate Tim Walz’s prospects for the country.
“Vice-President Harris spoke of the impact of her HBCU experience (at Howard University) and the leadership of talented and motivated individuals in all walks of life in communities throughout America,” the letter reads. “Given her integrity, values, and demonstrated commitment to justice and equality of opportunity, we are confident that as President, she will serve the best interests of all Americans.”
The HBCU legends also reminded voters to research candidates thoroughly and make what they feel is the best choice.
"You made all us Bison so proud." ❤️@VP Kamala Harris delivered a postgame message to @HUMensBB 👏 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/zwQFcwlWYX
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2023
“We encourage all citizens to study the candidates and issues and make their own judgments. We have done so and are inspired and proud of the leadership that President Harris and Vice-President Walz will provide,” the letter states. “But throughout our careers, we have competed on the merits, and we respect the rights of others to compete now and reach their own conclusions about candidates.”
Prior to running for president, Harris spoke of the impact her undergraduate years at Howard had on her professional life.
“As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence,” she said in a May 26 White House press conference. “For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad.
Today, graduates from our nation’s more than 100 HBCUs are in every room where important decisions are made – leading in our schools, hospitals, courtrooms, boardrooms, and at the highest levels of government. And as we look forward, we know that our HBCUs will continue to prepare young leaders to build a better, more just future for our country and the world.”
