Former VP Kamala Harris Speaks at Chicago's Power Rising Summit

The national gathering for Black women and their allies focused on harnessing their political power ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:37pm

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A cinematic painting of a group of Black women in business attire standing in a dimly lit, urban setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The Power Rising Summit in Chicago provided a space for Black women to collectively discuss their political power and influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.Chicago Today

Former Vice President Kamala Harris participated in the Power Rising Summit, a three-day gathering for Black women and their allies held in Chicago. The event, now in its ninth year, aimed to highlight areas where women of color can fully realize their professional and economic wellbeing, with a focus on the distinct challenges Black women face. Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Power Rising launched an initiative to register 1 million new voters, emphasizing the political engagement of Black women.

Why it matters

The Power Rising Summit is a significant event that brings together Black women leaders, activists, and allies to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Black community, particularly in the political sphere. As one of the most reliable voting blocs for the Democratic Party, Black women's political engagement and mobilization will be crucial in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

The details

The Power Rising Summit featured panel discussions and talks by international and national leaders, as well as local dignitaries. The event's theme this year was "Rooted and Rising: Whole Health, Whole Self," focusing on the distinct challenges Black women face. Sunday's program culminated with a soul brunch and talk featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris. Organizers say they hope to be able to speak to the totality of the Black woman experience and support younger Black women who may feel disenchanted with American society.

  • The Power Rising Summit took place from April 19-21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • The summit's ninth annual gathering started on Friday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President of the United States, who participated in the Power Rising Summit in Chicago.

Kimberly Clayborn

An attendee of the Power Rising Summit who expressed the importance of community and understanding the state of Black women.

Delmarie Cobb

A political strategist who highlighted the political power of Black women voters, who make up 75 million of the voting block and are the most reliable voters in the Democratic Party.

Deborah Birmingham

An attendee of the Power Rising Summit who addressed the misconception of the "angry Black woman" and the need to support and draw younger Black women who may feel disenchanted with American society.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kimberly Clayborn, Attendee

“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.”

— Delmarie Cobb, Political Strategist

“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.”

— Deborah Birmingham, Attendee

What’s next

Organizers of the Power Rising Summit say they hope to continue their initiative to register 1 million new voters, particularly among Black women, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

The Power Rising Summit underscores the political power and influence of Black women in the United States. As a reliable voting bloc, Black women's engagement and mobilization will be crucial in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, and events like the Power Rising Summit aim to harness and amplify their collective voice.