ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 25, 2024: As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris, daughter of Jamaican immigrants, is garnering attention from naturalized Jamaican voters in the United States. Optimism is high that history could be made on November 5th, as many believe Harris could become the first U.S. President with Jamaican roots.
Jamaican Americans are filled with “full-joy,” embracing the possibility that Harris, raised by Jamaican economist Dr. Donald Harris and Indian immigrant Shyamala Gopalan Harris, may defeat former President Donald Trump and make history as America’s 47th President in January 2025.
If elected, Harris, 60, would not just be the first female president but would also mark her place as the first Black woman and second Black head of state in U.S. history, with deep connections to Jamaica.
The 2020 U.S. Census reported an estimated 1,047,117 Jamaican Americans, with over 4 million Caribbean immigrants residing in the country. Key states with substantial Jamaican populations include New York, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and California. Approximately 814,606 of these voters are estimated to be eligible to vote, representing a significant segment of the Black immigrant voting bloc.
Many are rallying behind Harris despite her campaign’s minimal outreach to Black and Caribbean media. Jamaican-born New Yorker Clement Humes expressed confidence in her chances. “I believe Americans recognize the threat posed by Trump and that Harris can win if we all exercise our voting rights.”
Gregory Smith, a Jamaican immigrant and Obama campaign volunteer, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “The voice of Caribbean voters is crucial. The issues at stake—immigration, women’s health, and justice—demand our participation in shaping democracy.”
As Harris campaigns intensively, Jamaican-American leaders emphasize the need for mobilization within the Caribbean community. Lyndon Taylor, CEO of Lyndon Taylor & Associates, highlighted that if voters understand the stakes, they can pave the way for Harris’s historical win.
In Brooklyn, Caribbean educator Lawman Lynch remarked that eligible voters are filled with determination and caution, stressing the importance of voter engagement within the community. “We cannot leave anything to chance,” he stated.
Concerns about the election’s aftermath resonate within the community, as many express anxiety over potential political unrest. Jamaican-born journalist Barrington Salmon noted excitement for Harris’s campaign, comparing it to the momentum during Obama’s 2008 run, while also warning of the potential implications of a Trump victory.
Concerned voices like advocate Irwine Clare emphasize the seriousness of the upcoming election, underscoring the potential threat to democracy and the immigrant community. “Our community must be mobilized to support the Harris ticket,” he remarked.
The stakes extend across battleground states, with close polling results indicating a tight race between Harris and Trump. Recent polling data reflects a divided electorate, and while some polls show Harris with incremental leads, commentators like Shaun Walsh note that neither candidate has established a definitive edge.
Despite some Jamaican voters supporting Trump, others remain steadfast in their support for Harris. Patrick Beckford, a New Jersey-based Jamaican immigrant, aligns his predictions with those believing in a Harris win, asserting that he has tuned out the polls in favor of policy analysis.
As Election Day approaches, tension is palpable among many voters. Jamaican voter Ann-Marie Grant maintains her support for Harris, emphasizing the importance of respect for law and order in political discourse. “Kamala Harris has demonstrated the integrity needed for this office,” she stated, while also expressing anxiety over the potential consequences of the election’s outcome.
With just weeks left before the pivotal election, the African American and Caribbean communities are preparing for a significant moment in history. The potential election of Kamala Harris stands as a testament to the changing fabric of American politics and the power of the vote.
