Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Charlotte this Thursday to discuss abortion rights, reproductive health and the need for affordable, high-speed internet service.
Harris will meet with a group of state legislators. No plans were announced about a public appearance.
Harris’ last visit to the Queen City was in March. She was accompanied by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to discuss the need for public investment in transportation and infrastructure.
More than 250,000 North Carolina residents lack adequate internet access. Black and Latino residents, as well as residents living in rural areas, are the most disadvantaged.
Free Newsletter
Stay informed with news and events that impact Charlotte’s Black communities.
The vice president’s visit comes shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states. The visit also comes amid early voting in Charlotte’s municipal elections.
Currently, abortion remains legal in North Carolina, with some clinics reporting an influx of patients from neighboring states where abortion rights have been scaled back.
North Carolina Republicans have been vocal about working to outlaw abortion in North Carolina.
There is, however, an abortion limit after 20 weeks which could potentially be reinstated. A federal judge ruled the 20-week limit unconstitutional in 2019. Swiftly following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger penned a letter to NC Attorney General Josh Stein, declaring the limit must be re-examined.
Earlier this afternoon, U.S. Representative Alma Adams was arrested for civil disobedience and blocking the street outside as part of a pro-choice protest outside of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Adams recently spoke on the House floor, stating her disapproval of the Supreme Court ruling.
Adams was one of 17 lawmakers arrested with members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus.
Adams posted bail and was released a few hours later. She later tweeted, “Thanks for the #FreeAlma tweets! I’ve paid bail and I’m on my way to vote.”