Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in the Bull City on Friday to announce an additional $32 million in support for historically underserved small businesses in North Carolina.
Harris spoke Friday afternoon along Parrish Street, home to Durham’s Historic Black Wall Street district, about the Biden-Harris administration’s plans to further help minority and woman-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Harris on Friday praised local entrepreneurs and startups with “extraordinary ideas” that involve tackling issues like the climate crisis. While downtown, she thanked private sector investors, such as M&F Bank, for matching contributions to help small businesses thrive.
According to the White House, a contribution of $60 million from private investors has garnered a total of $90 million in support for North Carolina’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“The nation benefits … when [communities] receive this kind of support and investment,” Harris said. “We are talking about clean energy companies, we are talking about AI, we are talking about technology companies.”
After the speech, Harris visited the NC Mutual Building, a popular Durham landmark and headquarters of NC Mutual Life.
Friday’s visit is Harris’ 10th to the state since being sworn into office and her second visit to North Carolina this year.
Last month, Harris visited a Charlotte-area school to announce $285 million in funding to help schools across the country hire and train mental health counselors in an effort to improve gun safety.
Gov. Roy Cooper was in attendence Friday as Harris discussed strengthening entrepreneurship, increasing access to capital and supporting small businesses throughout the country, including in underserved communities.
Harris is scheduled to depart Raleigh at 4:20 p.m.
Her visit is one of many political stops this weekend. Former President Donald Trump will visit Greensboro on Saturday, and GOP candidate Nikki Haley will be in Charlotte on Friday and Raleigh on Saturday.
Harris also visited Durham Technical Community College in March of 2022.
Small groups protest during Kamala Harris visit
Nearly 100 protesters gathered outside on Friday afternoon, calling for a ceasefire during the visit of Kamala Harris.
Jewish Voice for Peace, Mothers for Ceasefire, and other groups rallied in the city center, urging residents to take action.
Numerous people marched while chanting and holding a variety of signs, saying “Free Palestine!”
The rally aims to bring a national movement to the Triangle, encouraging voters to choose “No Preference” in the Democratic primary. Participants believe Vice President Harris should take a stronger stance, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
