On October 24th, my inbox lit up with an email that filled me with excitement—I had a chance to see Vice President Kamala Harris in person at her rally in Houston. My spouse and I rearranged our plans, determined to witness this pivotal moment firsthand. The rally promised to be an unforgettable event, and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

Surging Crowds and Unexpected Reunions

When we arrived, the sheer size of the crowd was stunning. People lined up in endless rows, brimming with excitement and purpose. As we navigated through the crowds, we unexpectedly reunited with old friends, making the experience even more special. Despite the hot sun and long wait, the people around us were buzzing with conversation, sharing stories, and expressing solidarity.

One memorable moment came when we learned about a separate line for ADA seating. My friend, recovering from knee surgery, spotted the entrance, and we were escorted into the stadium, where we managed to find seats—a small miracle that allowed us to witness history up close.

Electrifying Atmosphere

The rally was an incredible experience. The music blared, the chants of “WE ARE NOT GOING BACK” filled the stadium, and people held signs that read “PROTECT OUR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS” and “FREEDOM NOW.” It was the largest rally Harris had held, with over 30,000 attendees passionately showing support for the Vice President’s message. It felt like being part of a historic movement.

Personal Stories Amid Political Realities

As speakers shared their personal stories, the energy turned serious. One woman from San Antonio recounted a harrowing experience where Texas’s restrictive laws delayed her access to life-saving medical care. These stories underscored the grave consequences of restrictive abortion laws and illustrated the urgency of the fight for reproductive rights. Facts about restrictive legislation, like Texas’s six-week abortion ban and the penalties for healthcare providers, resonated deeply with the crowd.

Doctors Taking a Stand

Perhaps one of the most powerful moments of the rally was when three dozen OB/GYN doctors, dressed in white coats, took the stage. Dr. R. Todd Ivey, a Houston physician, shared his experiences working under Texas’s restrictive laws, explaining the anguish of being unable to help patients due to threats of prison time. His words struck a chord with everyone present: “These laws are designed to handcuff me—literally,” he declared, receiving a wave of applause from the audience.

An Evening with Icons: Willie Nelson, Beyoncé, and Kelly Rowland

The rally also saw appearances from Texas icons like Willie Nelson and Beyoncé, who lent their voices in support of Kamala Harris. Nelson performed two songs, humbly billing himself as just “a Texas voter.” Then, Beyoncé and her former Destiny’s Child co-headliner Kelly Rowland took the stage, marking a powerful moment for the rally. Rowland’s impassioned speech championed Harris as the leader the country needs. Beyoncé, who was introduced by her mother, Tina Knowles, spoke as “a mother who cares deeply about the world [our] children will live in.”

Kamala Harris: A Vision for Reproductive Rights and Beyond

When Kamala Harris took the stage, the stadium erupted in cheers. She acknowledged those who shared their personal stories, honoring their courage, and expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence. She called for the fight for reproductive freedom to continue, standing firm against any regression on women’s rights: “Freedom is not to be given. It is not to be bestowed. It is ours by right, and we are prepared to fight for it.”

Harris highlighted the severe limitations placed on women in Texas and other states with similar restrictive laws, emphasizing the necessity of voting to protect reproductive rights. “We know how we got here,” she reminded us, referencing Trump’s appointment of three Supreme Court justices who paved the way for the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Closing Thoughts

Kamala Harris’s rally in Houston was more than just a political event—it was a testament to the collective strength of people committed to reproductive freedom and human rights. Witnessing the courage of those who spoke, the passion of advocates, and the unity in the crowd was a reminder of the power of standing together in the face of adversity.

As the rally concluded, I left with a renewed sense of purpose. The road to equality is long, but with leaders like Kamala Harris and the passionate support of the community, there is hope that together we can protect and expand our freedoms. This rally was a pivotal reminder that in the face of challenges, our voices and votes are powerful tools in shaping a future where everyone’s rights are respected.

Podcast 104 References:

• Dr. Jackalyn Rainosek was at the Kamala Harris Rally in Houston, Tx. Her video and audio recordings plus her experience of being at the rally are what she used for this podcast.
• Time, Philip Elliott, “I’m here As a Mother: Beyonce Boosts Kamala Harris at Biggest Campaign Rally To Date, October 25, 2024, 11:35 PM EDT. https://time.com/7099032/beyonce-kamala-harris-texas-abortion/.