- Africans for Kamala Harris: A Grassroots Movement. By Ndiawar Diop
Introduction and Background
Inspired by the need to make a difference in the upcoming elections, « Africans for Kamala Harris » is a dynamic group driven by the vision Kamala Harris has for the future. Founded by Clarence Ndangam, a Senior Director in a multinational company with a strong passion for community service, the group aims to mobilize and rally support for Kamala Harris. Clarence also sits on the board of directors for several nonprofits, including United Way of Delaware, the largest nonprofit in the state.
Growth and Membership
The group’s rapid growth is fueled by the excitement and enthusiasm of the African diaspora communities. In a short period, they have surpassed 2,200 members. However, one key challenge has been the limitations of WhatsApp group sizes, which only allow a maximum of 1,023 members per group and 2,000 per community. This necessitated the creation of multiple groups, complicating streamlined communication. Additionally, managing such a large membership on WhatsApp effectively has been challenging due to the fast-paced growth.
Mission and Goals
The mission of « Africans for Kamala Harris » is to mobilize and rally support to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the USA. The group also aims to work with African communities to develop and advocate for policy proposals and agendas that address their needs and concerns.
Activities and Engagement
Currently, the group engages members primarily through WhatsApp, with five groups in total. Four groups are exclusively for US-based individuals, while the fifth group includes global members. A kickoff Zoom call is planned for the coming Saturday to further mobilize and strategize.
Community Impact and Outreach
While there are no specific success stories to share yet, the group is actively expanding and setting the stage for impactful community engagement and advocacy.
Leadership and Organization
The group has a steering team of seven members and an admin group of 25. They are currently defining key roles within the organization to better manage their growing membership and activities.
« Africans for Kamala Harris » is a grassroots movement dedicated to supporting Kamala Harris and advocating for the African diaspora’s needs. Despite challenges, their rapid growth and committed leadership team position them well for impactful community engagement and political advocacy.
