Chatting the Pictures: A Telling Photo from Howard University on Election Night 2024

Shedrick Pelt took this photo for The Washington Post. It captures a poignant moment at Kamala Harris’s election night gathering at Howard University, showing a Black woman holding an American flag after the end of the rally at Howard University in Washington on November 5, 2024. The night started off with a celebratory atmosphere. However, the mood shifted dramatically as election results showed Trump winning key battleground states. Harris decided not to appear in favor of a speech at Howard’s “The Yard” to a more somber gathering the next day.

The video explores the emotional and symbolic complexity of the photo. It highlights the juxtaposition of joy and sorrow among attendees, focusing on the main figure whose expression conveys a mix of pain, strength, and determination amidst the political uncertainty. Additionally, the image is analyzed for its depiction of broader themes such as patriarchy, nationalism, and the marginalization of black women in politics, symbolized by elements like the metal barrier and the blurry motion of the white man and the American flag.

You can find all the Chatting the Pictures replays here.