Former VP Kamala Harris participates in Chicago's Power Rising Summit highlighting midterms
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Power Rising Summit at the Hilton in downtown Chicago drew former Vice President Kamala Harris, as Black women collectively talked about harnessing their power.
Chicago hosted the three-day gathering for Black women and their allies, and it did not disappoint.
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"It was important for me to be here, primarily for community. Secondly, I needed to know the state of Black women now with what we're facing," said attendee Kimberly Clayborn.
The national gathering, in its ninth year, started Friday with the intent of highlighting areas where women of color can fully realize their professional and economic wellbeing. This year's theme is "Rooted and Rising: Whole Health, Whole Self," and will focus on the distinct challenges Black women face.
Sunday's program culminated with a soul brunch and talk featuring Harris after other international and national leaders, along with local dignitaries, participated in panel discussions.
Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Power Rising launched an initiative to register 1 million new voters. Organizers say historically, Black women voters have been a politically engaged group.
"Black women make up, we are 75 million of the voting block. As we know, Black women are the most reliable, with the largest voting block in the Democratic Party. So, we need to understand our power," said political strategist Delmarie Cobb.
Organizers say they hope to be able to speak to the totality of the Black woman experience.
"The misconception, you may have heard it so many times, the angry Black woman. If she's confident, knows her stuff, they feel as though she has a chip on her shoulder. She has something to prove. That's the biggest misconception," said attendee Deborah Birmingham.
The gathering also hopes to support and draw younger Black women who may feel disenchanted with American society by giving them hope for the future.
