WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Vice President Kamala Harris brought her “Fight for Our Freedoms” college tour to South Florida today, with Florida International University as one of her destinations.
Thursday afternoon’s stop, Harris’ sixth on her month-long nationwide college tour, aimed to provide a unique platform for students to voice their concerns and aspirations in the ongoing quest for freedom.
Harris’ visit to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in West Miami-Dade also aimed to spark crucial conversations on pressing national challenges.
The vice president touched down at Miami International Airport at around 2 p.m., then made her way to Panthers territory.
As she took the stage, students and the community listened to her insights into the relentless pursuit of cherished liberties.
“And so, I’m first here to say thank you. I’m here to say also that I think your generation is one of the most spectacular, special that we have seen in a long time,” she said.
About 5,000 people packed the Ocean Convocation Center Arena. Some audience members asked Harris questions and raised concerns on issues ranging from voting rights, reproductive freedom and climate change.
At one point, Harris turned the tables and asked the audience a question about gun violence.
“Raise your hand and hold it up if you had to have, between kindergarten and high school, an active shooter drill at your school,” she said.
Most audience members raised their hands.
“I would ask the older adults to look around, and I would ask the media to take note,” said Harris.
The raised hands yielded a wide range of reactions from students.
“It was definitely very big to see. When everybody stuck up their hand, when she asked the question of who actually had to participate in a school shooting drill, that definitely opened up a lot of people’s eyes,” said Ethan with the Miami-Dade Youth Coalition, “especially and particularly the people that might not have been students at this current time.”
FIU is one of the largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the country. Harris encouraged attendees to dream with ambition.
“A democracy is as strong as the willingness of its people to fight for it, and we are prepared to do just that,” she said.
“Fight for Our Freedoms” has captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and Harris’ presence at FIU provided a unique platform for students to voice their concerns and aspirations in the ongoing quest for freedom.
Harris’ commitment to engaging with the younger generation underscores their pivotal role in shaping America’s future.
In addition to the vice president’s participation, Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, also addressed the audience at event. The conversation was moderated by Fat Joe and Anthony Ramos and livestreamed on WhiteHouse.Gov/Live.
Following the FIU event, Harris made her way to Miami Shores, where she held a private fundraiser at the home of the village’s former mayor. She was set to head back to Washington, D.C. after the fundraiser.
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