WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris gave an emotional speech Wednesday, acknowledging her defeat against President-elect Donald Trump and vowing never to give up the fight for fairer unions.

“Today, my heart is full, grateful for the trust you have placed in me, filled with love for our country, and filled with determination,” Harris told supporters at her alma mater, Howard University. It’s full,” he said.

Harris’ 12-minute speech, delivered behind bulletproof glass in front of the brick, flag-lined Frederick Douglass Memorial, came less than 24 hours after the presidential election that her supporters had been hoping for. It was held in a place where people gathered to celebrate. First female president.

On Tuesday night, revelers danced to 1990s hip-hop, then turned sour as states began to lean toward President Trump. On Wednesday, supporters and staffers hugged each other, wiped away tears and questioned whether the country would ever elect a woman, especially a Black woman, as president.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, it is not what we fought for, it is not what we voted for,” Harris told the audience. “But…listen to me, as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”

Harris, who has always been calm since her days as a prosecutor, showed signs of disappointment and sadness after telling the audience she was proud of the whirlwind campaign that has unfolded over the 107 days since President Biden announced he would not seek re-election. .

“I know people are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I understand,” she said with a wry smile. “But we must accept the results of this election.”

When she said she had spoken to President Trump earlier in the day and congratulated him, the crowd booed. But as she continued her speech, people quickly returned to cheering as she explained that she pledged to support a peaceful transition of power as the foundation of democracy.

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that even if you lose an election, you accept the outcome,” Harris said, her voice shaking. “This principle, like others, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks public trust must respect it. At the same time, we In this country, we owe allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, not to the president or political party.”

He did not mention that President Trump and other prominent Republicans had hedged on whether to accept the results, saying they needed to determine whether voting was conducted fairly and properly before the election.

But these comments were clearly an allusion to the former president’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results and the subsequent January 6, 2021 insurrection, as Congress worked to certify the electoral votes. Ta.

Harris said she accepted the election results but refused to compromise the fight for freedom, opportunity and fairness that was at the heart of her campaign.

“It’s a fight I’ll never give up on,” she said.

She implored young people not to let her loss stop them from fighting for their ideals.

“Don’t despair. Now is not the time to throw up your hands,” Harris said. “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves. Now is the time to organize, rally, and stay engaged for freedom, justice, and the future we can all build together.”

She concluded with one of her favorite sayings: “The stars are only visible when the night sky is dark.” “I know many people feel we are entering dark times,” she says. “For the good of all of us, I hope that doesn’t happen. But here’s the thing, America. Let us fill the sky with the light of service.”

After Harris returned to Memorial Hall after speaking, the music stopped playing as staff began dismantling the stage.

Several current members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historic black sorority that Harris was a member of at Howard University, formed a circle. The young women, dressed in various shades of pink, one of the sorority colors, quietly sang the national anthem.

“Throughout the years, as we struggle // strong and strong // to capture a vision of justice // there is one thing that drives us // to the heights of victory // with sincere and rare friendship // Oh, Alpha Kappa Alpha // Dear Alpha Kappa Alpha.”