Kamau Marshall, a seasoned strategist and communications expert, has been appointed as a senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Marshall, a Spring 2010 initiate of the Delta Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at Texas Southern University, brings a wealth of experience to the campaign from his extensive career in government and politics.

Marshall recently served as a senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, where he was instrumental in strategic communications, press relations, and stakeholder engagement. While at the Biden-Harris Education Department, he worked on some big wins, like student debt relief, HBCU funding, and teacher pay, amongst other issues. He was also the Director of Strategic Communications for the Joe Biden campaign in 2020, playing a crucial role in the campaign’s success.

Originally part of the 2024 Biden-Harris reelection campaign, Marshall’s role has now transitioned to the Harris campaign following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race on Sunday. His career includes roles with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he was a key strategist during the successful 2018 House races, and as a communications advisor and speechwriter in the Obama-Biden administration.

Marshall’s appointment adds to the campaign’s senior-level staff, making him at least the fifth Black man in a leadership role. He joins a team that includes Quentin Fulks, Principal Deputy Campaign Manager, Cedric Richmond, National Campaign Co-Chair, Michael Tyler, Communications Director, and Trey Baker, Senior Advisor.

“I cannot emphasize the urgency of the upcoming election and how many achievements could be undone, rolling back all of the progress the Biden-Harris administration has made. I’m glad to be in this fight with this team to ensure better days for tomorrow and the future ahead,” Marshall told Watch The Yard.

Marshall’s history of working on highly competitive campaigns and his strategic expertise in communications and public engagement make him a valuable addition to the Harris campaign. His work has spanned engagements with notable figures such as the late Congressman John Lewis (GA) and the late Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD), along with current members of Congress.

With his new role, Marshall will play a part in shaping the Harris campaign’s strategies as they gear up for the 2024 election in November. As a member of a Black fraternity and an HBCU graduate himself, Marshall has a proven record in engaging the Black college community both undergrad and alumni. Since Watch The Yard is focused on Black college culture we asked him about the significance of engaging Black college students and alumni during the 2024 campaign.

“Black college culture plays a significant role in this election on so many levels for so many things and people,” he told Watch The Yard. “For today, tomorrow, and the future ahead. For starters, let’s take a look at our Vice President a HBCU graduate that’s running for President of the United States.

President Biden and the Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona said it best:

HBCUs have produced and are responsible for:

40% of Black engineers,
50% of all Black teachers,
70% of all Black doctors and dentists,
80% of all Black judges,
100% of Black Vice Presidents

Now let’s produce a President.”