African immigrant community leaders have united to pledge their support for the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid in a historic endorsement expected to mark a significant milestone towards a more inclusive America.
The collective backing comes from influential Political Action Committees (PACs) that includes the Ghana Diaspora Political Action Committee (GHPAC), Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), and African Diaspora for Good Governance Political Action Committee (ADGG).
The PACs jointly indicated that Harris has consistently supported immigrants’ rights throughout her career, from her tenure as California Attorney General to her current role as Vice President. Her unwavering support for comprehensive immigration reform, including the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, reflects her dedication to creating an equitable society.
“We are thrilled to join forces with our fellow African heritage PACs in endorsing Kamala Harris. Collectively we are driven by the concerns of our communities that understand that this upcoming presidential election is not an ordinary one. The United States cannot have a president that believes Africans who contribute to the U.S. economy, work in American hospitals, enforce U.S. law, are people unworthy to be American,” said Adjoa Kyerematen, President and CEO of GHPAC.
The organisation which is the political arm of Ghana Diaspora Public Affairs Collective was established to increase the number of Ghanaian Americans elected to political office, support candidates that champion the interests of the Ghanaian American community and promote Ghanaian American participation in the political process.
“Harris’ story as a daughter of immigrants and commitment to protecting democratic rights resonates deeply with our community. Further, GHPAC believes Kamala Harris visit to Ghana is the beginning of a reimagined foreign policy approach that prioritizes U.S.-Africa relations. We look forward to unprecedented positive change under a Harris-Walz Administration,” added Kyerematen.
Vice President Harris recognized the importance of strong U.S.-Africa ties in her tour to Africa last year. Her successful efforts to secure $8 billion in investments for the continent showed her commitment to African innovation and cooperation according to the coalition.
As a result, they have notified key chapters in battleground states such as Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Minnesota to urge all members of the African immigrant and African heritage community to support Harris, and vote in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
“We unanimously join forces with our fellow African PACs to endorse Kamala Harris as our next president. When embarking on the historic trip Kamala made to three African Countries as the first Black woman U.S. Vice President in 2023, she said, and I quote “I’m going to Africa mainly to talk with African leaders about what we as the United States are prepared to do to have our role in investing in the future of that continent.” We applaud Kamala and look forward to better and stronger US-Africa relations under her presidency,” declared Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, NAPAC Maryland Chairperson.
NAPAC provides a platform for the voices of the next generation, and support the growing number of Nigerian leaders and individuals in Maryland and the USA who have political aspirations. They also support non-Nigerian candidates whose platform and core values align with those of their diaspora community. Through out the campaign season, they continuously advocate for the political empowerment of their people in the United States.
Edafe Sodje, NAPAC Georgia Chairman also announced “our endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States of America in the upcoming 2024 elections. This endorsement reflects our commitment to supporting a leader who embodies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that are essential to our community.”
The PACs embrace Harris’ vision for U.S.-Africa relations that they believe encompasses economic collaborations, democratic values, climate action, and security partnerships.
“ADGG PAC was one of the first diaspora organizations to endorse the candidacy of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we endorse Kamala Harris today as the 2024 Presidential Candidate. We were eyewitnesses to how Donald Trump squandered his political capital by endangering innocent lives during Covid-19, enacting discriminatory policies against immigrants, and the assault on American democracy on January 6th,” retorted Chuks D. Eleonu, Sr., ADGG Executive Director.
“Returning Trump to office, with the prospects of Project 2025, will be an insult to the very reasons majority of immigrants chose to call America home. It is my opinion, judging from her performance as a Prosecutor, Senator, and VP, that Kamala Harris will defend the constitution, improve U.S.-Africa relations, and help restore pride and faith in the American democracy.”
ADGG ensures that Africans in the diaspora are educated and organized to participate in political activities, both as voters and as candidates for elected offices, and promoting good governance in the diaspora and on the continent of Africa. They educate legislators, governments, and political candidates about important issues affecting the African diaspora community. And also educate the African diaspora community on the vital need to participate and vote in all elections.
