Former VP Kamala Harris addresses local leaders on MLK’s birthday during Memphis leg of book tour

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Former Vice President Kamala Harris stopped at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis on Thursday as part of her national book tour for her #1 New York Times Bestseller, “107 Days.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Action News 5 was the only TV station to capture Harris during her tour of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Action News 5’s Imani Williams was in the room at the convention center when she addressed local leaders during the Memphis leg of her book tour.

“It is so good to be back in Memphis,” she said when she entered the room full of city leaders Thursday.

She studied each of the exhibits during her tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, learning and remembering more.

She said that with her being in Memphis on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a stop at the museum was vital.

“Whether it be remembering the struggles that we have yet to endure as a people and as a nation, and our capability and ability to overcome those obstacles,” she said.

Harris stepped right onto the balcony where King was assassinated over 50 years ago, noting that Memphis plays a large role in American history.

“This city is part of what has made America who we are and who we have yet to be,” she said. “So to be here in Memphis today and to be with all of you is a great honor.”

Harris met with city leaders, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Memphis Chief of Police CJ Davis, and city council members, ultimately sharing words of encouragement:

“There may be a lot that we are seeing, that are the challenges that we face in terms of our history and what we know was supposed to be our trajectory. And there are many who rightly feel, are we going backward?” she said.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.