My First Vote Was Historic. It’s Just The Beginning Of The Fight
Casting My First Vote for Kamala Harris: A Historic Milestone and a Call to Continue the Fight for Justice
- Howard University Students Make History in the 2024 Presidential Election: A Moment of Pride, Fear, and Civic Engagement
I was a junior at Howard University, privileged to exercise my voting right for the first time in my presidential election on November 5, 2024. That was indeed special in many ways; I had the privilege of casting my vote for an alumna of my university, Vice President Kamala Harris. Along with my mother and father, I was one of thousands of fellow students in this historical event that combined civic duty with pride and excitement, especially since Harris had ties to our beloved school.
The campus on Howard University leading up to Election Day was electric. Since Vice President Harris was going to be on the ballot, excitement at Howard University was palpable. Not only was there a Bison, our school's mascot, in the race to become second in command of the United States, but she was also Black and from Howard University. For most of us, her candidacy would mark the high point in history, win or lose that election. It marked the end of many years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by Black women in politics.
A Historic Moment of Pride for Howard University
Howard University, known as the "Mecca" of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has always been a place where pride, activism, and leadership take hold. For 107 days prior to Election Day, during the campaign season, students mobilized the campus, energizing it with the idea of participating in the political process. The whole university--student organizations, local businesses, and others-- rallied together to encourage voter turnout in these places.
Campus groups constantly posted infographics and reminders on social media reminding the students of procedures, deadlines, and locations of voting. Outside campus life, it seemed that local entrepreneurs went out of their way to contribute to the election season. Another fashion brand on campus, Oak District, owner Tyler Plummer sold tee shirts with Harris' face; students could wear their support for the Vice President. Business ventures for services, such as Dana Did It, owned by Eldana Mengistu, helped promote students to vote. Mengistu, who provided nail and retwisting services, combined civic participation and a well-loved service at the campus by offering customers 15% discount if they showed proof of having voted.
The involvement by campus businesses and organizations was wide-ranging; this meant that students got the core sense of the election. It wasn't a vote but an opportunity to be part of something much bigger-it was about setting the future of the country and making history.
Safety and Security Concerns:
Whereby, although the buzz on campus was excitement and pride, there were unseen concerns revolving around the election itself which had been lent credence by the political climate of the time as well as the nation's history of political unrest. Howard University is located in the nation's capital, a city frequently front and center of national attention-from peaceful protests to high-tension events, such as the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. With Harris an alumnus of the school and perhaps heightened awareness based upon the time of year, many students openly expressed concerns about their own personal safety.
D.C. has always been a hotbed of celebration as well as danger, and the potential for violence in these days of election built up the long-feared tension. Still, students at Howard University were intent on voting that they not miss this particular election in America's storied history. While there was certainly a palpable concern about further collapse, there was a much greater sense of resolve. We knew our vote counted and made a difference, and we were going to exercise it whether the powers that be took us kindly to our cause or not.
The impact of Howard University on political engagement.
Howard University was really in the thick of things in shaping political engagement during the 2024 presidential election. An historical Black college and university, it has been a bastion for some time in the formation of leaders who went on to make impact in every field of human endeavor, from law to politics to movies. The presence of Vice President Kamala Harris is proof of this legacy that HBCUs hold in terms of leadership and civic duty.
This legacy extended further into the effort to vote. By instilling a culture of activism and civic duty, Howard University empowered students to realize that voting is not solely a right-it is also a privilege and a responsibility. There was not only a demonstration of support to Harris but also a reflection of the larger cultural commitment to social justice and equity in what local businesses, student groups, and individual students did.
Conclusion
Voting in the 2024 presidential election was a historic time for me and for the whole Howard University community. With all the safety concerns, it did not overshadow my excitement of casting my ballot next to a fellow Bison, Kamala Harris. The effort made by the students, local businessmen, and organizations to engage the campus into the electoral process ensured that Howard University played a pivotal role in one of the most prominent elections in recent history. As students, we did not only exercise our right to vote but took part in a moment that would be remembered for centuries ahead.
About the Creator
What Is the Old Name of Turkey? A Journey Through History, Empires, and Identity
When people hear the name Turkey, they often think of a modern nation bridging Europe and Asia, rich with culture, cuisine, and history. But Turkey’s land has carried many names long before it became the Republic of Türkiye in the 20th century. Understanding the old names of Turkey is more than a geography lesson—it is a journey through ancient civilizations, powerful empires, and shifting identities that shaped the world. Anatolia: The Earliest Known Name The oldest and most widely used historical name for much of modern-day Turkey is Anatolia. Derived from the Greek word Anatolē, meaning “the east” or “sunrise,” Anatolia referred to the lands east of mainland Greece. For ancient Greeks, this region was literally where the sun rose. Anatolia was not a single kingdom but a vast region that hosted some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and Urartians. Archaeological discoveries show that Anatolia was a cradle of early human settlement, agriculture, and trade, making it one of the most historically dense regions on Earth. Even today, historians and scholars frequently use “Anatolia” to describe Turkey’s Asian portion, which makes up about 97% of the country. Asia Minor: A Roman and Byzantine Label Another well-known old name for Turkey is Asia Minor. This term was popularized during the Roman and Byzantine Empires to distinguish the region from the larger continent of Asia. “Asia Minor” literally means “Lesser Asia,” emphasizing its role as a western extension of the Asian landmass. Under Roman and later Byzantine rule, Asia Minor became a hub of administration, commerce, and Christianity. Many early Christian communities, councils, and churches—mentioned in biblical texts—were located in this region. Cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Nicaea were central to religious and political life for centuries. Constantinople and the Byzantine Identity While the land itself had regional names, the capital city—Constantinople—often symbolized the entire territory. Founded by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, Constantinople became the heart of the Byzantine Empire. For over a thousand years, the Byzantine Empire ruled much of what is now Turkey, blending Roman governance, Greek culture, and Christian theology. During this period, the region was not called Turkey at all, as the term “Turk” had not yet become dominant in Anatolia. The Arrival of the Turks and the Name “Turkey” The name Turkey comes from the word “Turk”, referring to the Turkic peoples who migrated from Central Asia. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine army, opening Anatolia to Turkish settlement. Over time, European sources began referring to the region as “Turcia” or “Turkey,” meaning “the land of the Turks.” This marked a major shift in identity—from a Greco-Roman-Christian region to a predominantly Turkic and Muslim one. The Ottoman Empire: A Global Power Without the Name “Turkey” Interestingly, during the height of Turkish power, the state was not officially called Turkey. Instead, it was known as the Ottoman Empire, named after its founder Osman I. From the late 13th century until the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire controlled vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ottoman rulers referred to their realm as the Devlet-i Aliyye-i Osmaniye (The Sublime Ottoman State). However, European diplomats and writers still casually referred to the empire’s core lands as Turkey, reinforcing the name internationally. From Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led a successful independence movement. In 1923, the modern Republic of Turkey was officially established. This marked the first time “Turkey” became the formal name of the state, symbolizing a break from imperial rule and the beginning of a secular, nation-based identity. In recent years, the country has also emphasized the spelling “Türkiye” internationally to reflect its native pronunciation and cultural identity. Why These Old Names Still Matter The old names of Turkey—Anatolia, Asia Minor, Byzantine lands, and Ottoman domains—tell a story of continuity and transformation. They reveal how geography, culture, religion, and power shape national identity over time. Turkey is not just a modern nation-state; it is a living archive of human civilization. Each old name represents a chapter in its long and complex story, making Turkey one of the most historically layered countries in the world. Final Thoughts So, what is the old name of Turkey? The answer depends on the era. From Anatolia and Asia Minor to Byzantine territories and the Ottoman Empire, Turkey has worn many names—each reflecting the people and powers of its time. Understanding these names helps us appreciate Turkey not just as a country, but as a crossroads of civilizations that continues to influence global history today.
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Comments (1)
Well done on the first vote! My first vote also was historical regarding to my country. I subscribed you and if you wish you can do the same 🥰