Caribbean Americans ‘Rally For Kamala’: Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tatyana Ali Lead Nationwide Call for Support for Harris 2024 Presidential Campaign – Essence

In a robust show of unity, a whole bunch of Caribbean Americans, including Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Tatyana Ali, a Jamaican-American congresswoman Yvette Clarkeand congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett U.S. Virgin Islands, rallied to support Kamala Harris for president.

Harris for President Virtual Event: Caribbean Americans National call” held in August, united people across the United States and the Caribbean, demonstrating the Caribbean diaspora’s deep influence and growing political influence within the upcoming elections. It marked the start of a bigger effort called “Rally for Kamala”Caribbean-American campaign to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as the following President of the United States. The campaign also works to extend voter registration, education and protection.

“We are here tonight to recognize our collective strength and unwavering support for Kamala Harris,” said Marlon Hill, a Miami attorney who helped organize the community call together with other members of the Caribbean-American Collective, including Karen Andre, Kyra Stephenson-Valley and Shurland Oliver.

“This rally is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Caribbean-American community and our commitment to ensuring our voices are heard and our votes matter in this crucial election,” he added.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2019 American Community Survey The vibrant Caribbean community within the United States is made up of greater than 8.5 million individuals who were born within the Caribbean or have ancestors within the region. Despite their significant presence, the Caribbean diaspora often stays an neglected voting bloc. Yet their contributions each within the U.S. and of their homelands are undeniable, and their voices are increasingly being heard on the political stage, advocating for greater recognition and influence.

The event began with a passionate speech by Ralph, a proud Jamaican-American, who called on the Caribbean community to make their voices heard. “We, too, stand up and fight for social justice. Our unique heritage and vibrant spirits embody the diversity that strengthens our nation,” Ralph declared. She highlighted the joy and hope ignited by Kamala Harris, stating, “No one could have imagined the fire of hope that this Caribbean American, Kamala Harris, has ignited in all of us.”

Ralph urged everyone to register to vote and engage their communities within the electoral process. “Talk to everyone because right now we have a great opportunity to shape the future of this country,” she said. She emphasized the importance of supporting a frontrunner who understands the worth of diversity, equity and inclusion. “Together we can create a future where every voice is heard, every community is empowered and every dream is within reach.” Ralph concluded with a famous Jamaican proverb: “We are small, but we are tallawah. (That means we may be small, but we are strong, powerful and we can do anything.) Let’s make Kamala Harris our president. Yes, man, we need some rice and peas in the White House.”

In a candid and compelling speech, Ali proudly shared her heritage and expressed her unwavering support for Vice President Harris. Ali, who’s of Afro-Panamanian and Indo-Trinidadian descent, emphasized the importance of her heritage and the unity of Caribbean Americans in this important election.

“I’m a proud Black and Indian Caribbean American. My mother is Afro-Panamanian with roots in St. Vincent and Barbados, and my father is Indo-Trinidadian-American. She emphasized the importance of constructing coalitions and substance over division, aligning her values ​​with Harris.

She praised Harris’ commitment to reproductive rights and advocacy for black maternal health, noting her role as an original co-sponsor The Momnibus Act“This stack of legislation must be passed to save lives, especially those of Black women, Native American women and women living in rural areas. In the White House, she expanded Medicaid coverage to include the postpartum period and created new safety standards for hospital labor rooms.”

As a mother of two young black boys, Ali expressed her desire for a greater future for all children. She highlighted Harris’ work on gun reform, climate change laws and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. “Kamala Harris is taking action. She has been the tiebreaker 33 times, more than any vice president in the last 200 years,” she noted.

Politicians also took to the virtual stage to rally support for Vice President Harris. Rep. Clarke, who’s of Jamaican descent, spoke passionately in regards to the have to unite Caribbean Americans, emphasizing the importance of a decisive victory, calling on the community to get deeply involved and providing Harris with the financial resources to succeed in every eligible voter.

Congresswoman Clarke highlighted the numerous contributions of Caribbean Americans to U.S. democracy and their commitment to nurturing relationships that profit each the United States and Caribbean nations. She also highlighted Vice President Harris’ work on women’s health and her leadership in addressing critical issues resembling immigration reform and climate change.

LaNiesha Dawson, deputy political director for Harris for President, shared the campaign’s successes, including raising greater than $200 million and signing up 170,000 volunteers in 11 days. “Our coalition is made up of women, Latinos, students, progressives, seniors, Native Americans, black voters and others. This is a campaign for everyone.”

Dawson emphasized the necessity for authentic and honest outreach across the country, calling on everyone to affix the hassle. “As Vice President Harris said, now is the time. We are the underdogs in this race, but we can make sure every voice is heard with your support.”

Congresswoman Plaskett, D-U.S. Virgin Islands, called for a coordinated voter registration effort, especially during September, which is Voter Registration Month.

“We need to make sure that we are involved in ongoing voter registration and national registration. Voter registration month is in September. We need to plan all kinds of activities in our local community to find every person who is not registered and register them to vote,” she said.

Highlighting the critical role of Caribbean Americans, Plaskett highlighted the profound contributions of each American democracy and their local communities. “Caribbean Americans have been key contributors to this democracy for years, for generations, to make sure that our voices are heard and that we are doing what is in the best interest of not only the communities that we live in here in the United States, but that we are building relationships that will improve the lives of those who live in our hemisphere, and that means all of our Caribbean nations,” the congresswoman added.

Dr. Stacy Grant, The twenty sixth International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., can also be a proud Jamaican American. She has passionately urged young people to exercise their right to vote. As a frontrunner of the nonpartisan organization, she has emphasized that while they don’t tell members how or who to vote for, they strongly encourage all to take part in the democratic process and make their voices heard.

“We are very clear about what needs to be done with young voices… those who are 17 and soon to be 18, those who are 18 and older, are discouraged by the noise in the world. We need to let them know that this is not the time to sit and say, ‘No, I don’t want to be disturbed; this is already set up.’ That is a lie. We need every voice, every one to register, every one to go to the polls and every one to be educated on the issues that matter to us,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of this election, framing it as a fight for democracy, equality and access for all. “This is what this fight is about,” she declared. “It’s about our democracy; it’s about protecting the rights of all people, equality and access for all. This is not a time to sit back and watch from the sidelines. Everyone needs to be involved in moving forward, educating and mobilizing what it means to vote in this election.”

Other notable speakers included Paula Madison, a key member of Vice President Harris’ campaign finance committee since 2010; Congressman Maxwell FrostAfro-Cuban Representative from Florida’s tenth District and Member of Congress Adriano Espaillatafirst Dominican-American to serve within the U.S. House of Representatives; representing New York’s thirteenth congressional district.

The national call also served as a fundraising platform, with attendees encouraged to donate to Harris’ campaign. Organizers stressed that financial support was crucial to amplifying Harris’ message and securing victory within the upcoming election.

Ralph emphasized Vice President Harris’ profound importance to the Caribbean community all over the world, stating, “We support a leader who embodies the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions that Caribbean Americans bring to our nation. Our voices, dreams, and resilience help make the United States a land of opportunity and promise for all.”