Supporters of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris gathered over the weekend at Mill Creek Park to show their excitement for the long-awaited election results. City leaders reminded Kansas City that although they are celebrating a victory, their work toward a better city and country is not yet finished.
Organized by Manny Abarca, Kansas City Public Schools treasurer and DaRon McGee, former state representative and sponsored by groups including Freedom Incorporated, Jackson County Democrats and Missouri Democrats, the rally encouraged unity and continued work toward a better city and nation.
The Broadway Drill Team kicked off the celebration with their musical performance.
The crowd watched in awe as the Broadway Drill Team played and threw their mallets in the air.
Rhonda Harris and Iris Simmons, excited by the Biden-Harris win, showed their support at the celebration, wearing their sorority letters in support of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Mark Sharp and his mother, Olufemi Sharp, attended the celebration. Sharp was not only celebrating the Biden-Harris win, but also his own win for District 36 State Representative.
Barbara Anne Washington, who won her seat as District 9 State Senator, spoke at the event, urging supporters to keep fighting.
“Today is just the beginning,” Washington said. “We need to put the same force together so that we can take the Senate. We can no longer allow conservatives who do not speak for our people to put over 200 judges on the federal court.”
Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Kansas City said, “Now the work begins. The door is open and the opportunity is wide for the Democratic Party. The party must govern differently than the Republican Party.”
The celebration attracted young people as well, including Steven Wright, who held up a sign that said, “Riding With Biden.”
Councilwoman Melissa Robinson spoke at the event, celebrating the first Black woman as Vice President, while also adding that the fight against white supremacy continues. “Today is the dawn of a new day,” she said.
“For the last three and a half years, it has been a struggle for our communities of color. We oftentimes are the first and worst hit with COVID-19,” said Emmet Pierson, president of Community Builders of Kansas City. “We’re excited with the opportunity that this new administration will bring hope back to those communities because they are truly, truly in hurt.”
Nearing the end of the celebration, when Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke, protesters interrupted with microphones demanding accountability from him and KCPD.
Mayor Quinton Lucas, after his speech was interrupted by protesters said thank you to the protesters. “This is democracy in action,” he said.
The protesters continued chanting, “Fire Chief Rick Smith,” and “Who killed Donnie Sanders,” until the mayor left.
