INDIANAPOLIS — Vice President Kamala Harris outlined some of her vision for the country while speaking at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis on July 24.
Harris had been invited to speak at the event before becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president in 2024.
She has already won the support of Indiana's candidates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Zeta Phi Beta is a historically Black sorority. If Harris wins the Democratic nomination, she would be the first woman and only the second Black American to be a major party's presidential nominee.
Harris spoke of identity, social justice and the historic role of Black women leaders at the event.
"Our nation needs your leadership once again," Harris told the gathered crowd. "In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation. One focused on the future, the other focused on the past and with your support, I am fighting for our nation's future."
Harris's first official campaign event after President Joe Biden left the race was just hours before in Wisconsin on July 23. She echoed many of those themes in Indianapolis.
"I know who we all are. I know who is here," Harris said. "And I know therefore that we share a vision for the future of our nation — a future where every person has the opportunity, not just to get by, but to get ahead, a future of social justice, health, justice, economic justice."
Harris also thanked Biden for his leadership over what will we be his only term in the presidential office.
"Joe Biden is a leader with bold vision," Harris said. "He cares about the future. He thinks about the future. He has extraordinary determination and profound compassion for the people of our country. And I say that because I know that we are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation."
Harris also warned the work she and Biden have done is threatened if Democrats lose the election.
"These extremists want to take us back, but we are not going back, we are not going back," Harris said. "Ours is a fight for the future, and ours is a fight for freedom."
Harris left the podium shortly after 1 p.m.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance spoke in Fort Wayne on July 24 as well.
