In a surprise appearance at the 2024 BET Awards, Vice President Kamala Harris joined forces with host Taraji P. Henson to address the pressing issues facing the nation. The pre-taped segment, funded by the Biden/Harris campaign, saw Harris dialing in from her residence to discuss the threats to women’s reproductive rights, the integrity of the Supreme Court, and the broader attacks on fundamental American freedoms.
Henson, a fellow Howard University alum, expressed her concerns about the upcoming presidential election, seeking insights from Harris’s travels across the country. Harris acknowledged the gravity of the moment, emphasizing that most Americans support freedom and equality, despite challenges from extremists. She criticized the opposition, led by former President Donald Trump and his followers, for posing a threat to democracy.
The conversation covered a range of topics, including the right to vote, LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence prevention, and women’s autonomy over their own bodies. Henson urged the audience to stay vigilant and informed, particularly about a new Supreme Court ruling that could affect homelessness and the conservative Project 2025 plan, which aims to reshape U.S. governance.
The segment concluded with a cultural nod to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” emphasizing the evening’s theme of resilience and resistance. This appearance by Harris came shortly after President Biden’s debate performance, which drew criticism and concern from various quarters about his campaign’s direction.
Harris’s message was clear: the stakes are high, and the fight for freedom and democracy is ongoing. As she stated, “Yeah, girl, I’m out here in these streets, and let me tell you — you’re right, Taraji, there is so much at stake in this moment.” The Vice President’s powerful statement served as a call to action, urging Americans to remain vigilant and committed to the fight for a better future.
