By Dianne Anderson

Pre-election jitters just got a little more bearable with Vice President Kamala Harris kickstarting the Democratic base, and new hope of activating independent voters, those on the sidelines, and undecided swing state voters of all colors and persuasions.

Nothing is being left to chance.

Polls escalated since Harris’ announcement for President, now with over $200 million and growing in days of her campaign. Endorsements have soared under the theme of fighting for freedom against the convicted felon.

But Trump, still facing multiple lawsuits, seems tied in the polls with VP Harris for president, and Democrats emphasize it’s not time to celebrate just yet.

At the announcement, Mayor Rex Richardson endorsed Harris. Richardson is one of 300 Democratic mayors nationwide supporting her nomination.

“I’m proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as our next President,” Richardson wrote on Facebook. “As Attorney General, Senator, and now Vice President, she has effectively advocated for Long Beach, California, and our Nation. When I think of my daughters growing up with a leader they admire, I know their future will be bright. Now is the time to unite and work hard to elect Kamala Harris as our President this November.”

This past week, starting with Black women in a 44,000 participating Zoom, white women followed with strong support, the Latinas for Harris, and Asian and Pacific Islanders –  all Zoomed with millions and millions of dollars donated to see her win come November.

Recently, Dr. Rev. Leon Wood and Paula Wood of Success in Challenges received the Keys to the City of Long Beach. It was an honor to be recognized, but he added that keeping democracy in check ensures the future of the city and the nation.

Lately, he is meeting with friends to talk about impacting the community to energize the vote.  He is certain there are many young Black voters not yet registered, but they need to know their time has come.

“They don’t think their vote counts. We have to convince people that their vote and collective effort can make positive change and we can change what’s been happening in the past,” said Dr. Wood, who holds his degree in education.

The nonprofit Success In Challenges grassroots program started over 20 years ago by Dr. Wood, which included the Long Beach Freedom School as part of the National Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program.

He said they are committed to community education because until today, the truth of racism is not taught in American schools. He wants his eight grandchildren to learn about survival, but also to have a better life than he had.

Especially now, he stressed that Blacks must organize and be strategic.

“We’ve been forced to organize, plan and survive for 400 years in America. I’m 84, the Emancipation Proclamation is only 68 years older than me,” he said. “After Jim Crow, we had more public lynchings, more than before emancipation.”

For him, it’s about making sure Trump doesn’t win, but the messaging behind the conservative right-wingers is disturbing.

“I think Trump is a figurehead, but the dangerous people are the ones around him,” he said,

The Democratic Mayors Association also stated their commitment to continue the legacy that Joe Biden created, as much is at stake with the prospect of another Donald Trump presidency with rights, freedoms and democracy on the line.

“We are fully confident that this progress will continue under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris. She has been the President’s partner: delivering historic investments for our cities, championing working people, and fighting to protect our freedoms. We know she will continue to be a strong ally of Mayors and cities. She is more than ready to lead our country. We look forward to working with her to ensure we defeat Donald Trump and his extreme agenda this November,” they stated on their website.

Locally, the Long Beach Democratic Club is excited around VP Harris, with more people in the community reaching out, inquiring how to get involved with the campaign.

With Harris as their nominee, voters are viewing the election as an opportunity to vote for new fresh ideas.

Outreach with Black organizations in the coming weeks will focus on bumping up those who may not be registered to vote, and getting those who may not know they are eligible to vote ready for November.

Right now, the Democratic Club is appealing to all volunteers to stand together to fight. With several events in the works, they will keep the community informed as more events come online.

“Though Vice President Harris’s campaign is only a week old, she’s already hitting the ground running. Locally, we plan to participate in GOTV opportunities in August, September and October,” said Chris Chavez, outgoing president of the Long Beach Democratic Club.

He reflects on the 2020 Senate elections in Georgia, and the 2008 and 2012 Presidential campaigns of former President Obama. He said Democrats need to work with local trusted messengers and meet Black voters where they’re at.

“That means engaging with Black civic organizations, nonprofits, churches and, most importantly, going door-to-door and talking to Black voters. We also need to make sure we’re elevating the voices of local Black leadership, such as our Mayor and City Council members, as well as local Black Democratic organizations like the Greater Long Beach Black Democratic Club,” he said in an email.

The club also supports local candidates in Long Beach, such as Herlinda Chico’s race in the 4th District.

“We need to make sure to elect strong Democrats at every level – from local seats to the White House,” he said.

Learn more about what Harris stands for:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-harris/#:~:text=She has led the fight,water and breathe clean air.

To hear VP Harris’s comments to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., see

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/07/10/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-incorporateds-75th-boule/

To watch the  money raised, see Open Secrets:
https://www.opensecrets.org/2024-presidential-race/