Kamala Harris and The AFT: We stand as one

By: Erin Slaughter

The George R. Brown Convention Center erupted with thunderous applause on July 25th as Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful address at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) 88th convention.

 AFT was one of the first unions to endorse her presidential bid, following President Biden’s endorsement after he withdrew from the 2024 election.

“We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books. Can you imagine that?” Harris asked the crowd, evoking passion and stirring deep emotions as she discussed the realities facing our democracy.

Sounds of disapproval were heard throughout the building, and Sylvia Tangume, the AFT chapter President in McAllen, TX, said that Harris’s push to ban assault weapons alleviated her anxiety and increased her support.

“As a teacher, when Uvalde happened here in Texas, it was terrifying to think that the next day I would go to school and worry about a possible copycat. That’s what teachers and parents think about when they send their children to school. I know because I am both a teacher and a parent,” she said.

Sylvia Tangume, the AFT chapter President in McAllen, TX

Harris stressed to the crowd that it is crucial not only to protect children but also to educate them, starting with the truth about the history of America—another key point that resonated with Tangume.

“One thing she said is we are going to teach true history. To me, it’s amazing because it’s a difference between teaching what you want to teach and teaching what is the real thing, which is what we need to do because teaching cut-up history—only parts of history that people want us to teach—is not right,” she said.

Tangume’s sentiments were echoed by Zeph Capo, President of the Texas AFT chapter, who said he also supports Harris’s commitment to preserving the integrity of historical education.

“We stand up for the truth; we want to teach true and honest history in the United States. We want all of our kids to have a shot. We believe everyone should be included, and in Texas, we believe ‘y’all’ means all,” he said.

Zeph Capo, President of the Texas AFT chapter

Harris also spoke about the need to move forward and embrace a vision of a better tomorrow. This forward-looking message left Terrence Martin, President of Michigan’s AFT, feeling reenergized.

“We are grateful to have her deliver a message of hope for this country and for the labor union. We were certainly moved by the words she shared with us today, and we understand our assignment and why it is important to elect her as the next President of the United States,” Martin said.

Harris’s call for a safe and transparent educational system inspired all attendees to continue their mission of strengthening the teaching profession for all those involved despite challenges from opposing politicians.

Jerome Thompson, a national organizer with the Association of University Professors, said he felt motivated by Harris’s speech and that neither he nor the union would be rattled by those who oppose their efforts. They will remain resolute in the face of adversity.

“The message I would send to them (those who do not support unions) is we are here to fight. We are going to fight you tooth and nail. We are going to keep the union strong; you can try, but the voice of the American people has spoken,” he said.

Jerome Thompson, a national organizer with the Association of University Professors

The same sentiments were echoed by many of the other members; both Harris and the AFT reaffirmed their mutual support, demonstrating that their commitment is long-lasting and unwavering.

If Harris secures the Democratic nomination, she will be the first African American woman to run for President of the United States.

 Should she win the election, she would be the first woman and the first Black woman to hold the office, and The AFT has said they are behind her in the fight.