As election night progressed on Tuesday, the atmosphere at Kamala Harris's watch party at Howard University in Washington DC turned somber.

Students, faculty, and alumni had hopes that Harris would become the first president to graduate from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Earlier in the evening, optimism was palpable on Georgia Avenue, where a long line of supporters gathered to celebrate a potential historic moment.

Jayy Jones, the Howard University student association president, expressed gratitude for being part of such an event at a significant place for civic engagement.

Harris, who graduated from Howard in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics, has deep ties to the university.

She announced her presidential campaign there in 2019 and prepared for debates against Donald Trump on campus.

Among those celebrating was Michele Fuller, who attended Howard with Harris, and Benjamin Talton, director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, reflecting on the historical significance of events at Howard.

Despite the early celebratory mood, the night highlighted the emotional stakes involved as hopes for Harris's victory diminished.