Washington — Greater than 50 former soccer gamers and coaches, together with a number of Professional Soccer Corridor of Famers and Tremendous Bowl MVP’s, introduced their endorsement Friday of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz within the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The group represents 25 traditionally Black faculties and universities (HBCU’s) and consists of 10 Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame inductees, two Tremendous Bowl champions and MVPs, former No. 1 total picks and among the first Black athletes and coaches to interrupt the colour barrier.
“Given [Vice President Harris’] integrity, values and demonstrated dedication to justice and equality of alternative, we’re assured that as President she is going to serve the perfect pursuits of all Individuals,” the athletes and coaches mentioned in a letter solely obtained by CBS Information.
The letter is signed by Artwork Shell, the NFL’s first Black coach, Leslie Frasier, former Minnesota Vikings coach, James “Shack” Harris, the NFL’s first Black full-time beginning quarterback, Greg Coleman, the NFL’s first Black punter, and former Tremendous Bowl MVP and Chicago Bears Corridor of Famer Richard Dent, who beforehand performed for Tennessee State College.
They be a part of a listing of athletes supporting the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket, together with NBA all-star Steph Curry and Corridor of Famer Magic Johnson.
The announcement is being rolled out on Nationwide Black Voter Day, an initiative geared toward getting Black Individuals registered to vote by November. The initiative is led by Black Leisure Tv, a division of Paramount, which partnered with 40 civic organizations together with the NAACP and Nationwide City League.
It additionally follows Harris’ look this week earlier than the Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists in Philadelphia, the place she was requested about her standing amongst Black males. A current ballot carried out by the NAACP discovered roughly 1 / 4 of younger African American males beneath 50 assist former President Donald Trump, whereas about half again Harris.
“I feel it is crucial to not function from the belief that Black males are in anyone’s pocket,” Harris mentioned throughout the NABJ interview. “I am working to earn the vote, not assuming I’ll have it as a result of I’m Black.”
Harris is an alumna of Howard College and would grow to be the primary HBCU graduate to function President if she is elected. The Harris marketing campaign has touted her HBCU ties, citing the Biden-Harris administration’s file investments in traditionally Black faculties and universities and different minority-serving establishments.
“As a proud graduate of Howard College, I do know firsthand that our HBCUs are facilities of educational excellence,” Harris mentioned in a White Home assertion in Could. “For generations, these anchors of our communities have performed a pivotal function in constructing and contributing to America’s management at dwelling and overseas.”
The Howard grad hasn’t been shy about showcasing her sports activities enthusiasm, particularly for her alma mater. In December, Harris attended the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, that includes Howard and Florida A&M College. She additionally cheered on her fellow Howard Bisons in Des Moines once they made the primary spherical of the NCAA match final yr.
