Rapper Kanye West hosted his first campaign rally this weekend, in which he declared that Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves.” Puza Snigdha reports.
The rapper announced on July 4 that he would be running for President of the United States this year. His first political campaign rally took in South Carolina on Sunday night, where he made controversial remarks against the renowned abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman.
Tubman is one of the most respected figures of 19th century America who helped enslaved Black men and women travel north to freedom and fought for the Union during the Civil War.
According to The Associated Press, his comments about Tubman created a negative response from the crowd of hundreds in North Charleston.
During his rally, he talked about a range of topics including racism, abortion and pornography. It was while he was talking about economic equality that he made the comments about Tubman.
West criticized white companies for employing Black symbols, and he used the iconic abolitionist as an example.
The event was reportedly for registered guests only, although a campaign website had no registration or RSVP information.
West also gave a tearful speech about abortion and he shared how he and wife Kim Kardashian West spoke about not having their first child.
“She said she was pregnant, and for one month, and two months, and three months, we talked about her not having this child,” West said and added, “She had the pills in her hand. When you take the pills, and if you take it, the baby’s gone.”
West shared that her mother Donda also had this experience. “My mum saved my life. My dad wanted to abort me.”
“No more Plan B, Plan A…anyone who is pregnant, you have an option of $50,000 of support to take care of your child.”
However, to appear on South Carolina’s ballot for the Nov. 3 election, West needs 10,000 signatures by Monday. His campaign was able to fill the requirements for Oklahoma but missed the deadline including key states like Florida and Texas.
