JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University student Jeremiah Heyward enjoyed what he said was a “surreal experience” earlier this year when he met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House.
Heyward was one of only a handful of people personally invited to Washington to discuss
the opportunities and challenges facing young men of color as a new year begins.
“This was a surreal experience,” said Heyward. “I got to be in a place where so many
great leaders have worked.”
He said the group discussed a range of issues, including how to empower young men
of color, criminal justice reform, mental health and economics.
The vice president’s meeting with students and civil rights leaders was aimed at gauging
ideas on how to best uplift young Black men. Harris pledged to work with the Joe Biden
administration based on the concerns highlighted in the meeting.
Heyward was joined by about 30 others in the private meeting, and the vice president
told the participants her team would keep them informed about White House plans moving
forward.
Heyward, a senior at ETSU who hopes to work in leadership development within athletics,
said he has enjoyed many opportunities throughout his life.
“None,” he said, “can compare to representing ETSU in such a prestigious manner in
a White House meeting.”