Against the backdrop of a homecoming that seems so inevitable, it can be difficult to recall the sheer improbability of Harris’ campaign for the presidency, which began, unexpectedly, just three months earlier, from the vice president’s dinner table, with hope and many prayers. Ultimately, the campaign broke records for fundraising and, by some accounts, voter registration. But its greatest triumph may have been its tone and tenor: the confidence and sense of stability with which it began and sought to continue, the positive impact it managed to evoke in a bleak and rather unsettled year.

“The reason why people came out is to show that we can celebrate with joy and not fear,” said Angelica Melendez, another sorority member. “In 2020, we had the pandemic, so many of us couldn’t be together on election night. Today I thought it was really important to get out of the house and be part of a community.” Trinity Nevette, who graduated from Howard last year, described the event as “a moment for all the little black girls.”