Democrat Kamala Harris urged unity in a concession speech at Howard University following her defeat to Republican Donald Trump on Wednesday, November 6. The election results prompted foreign leaders and President Joe Biden to congratulate Trump and left Democrats downtrodden after the former president scored victories in swing states.

Harris told supporters gathered at Howard University that she had lost her race against Trump, conceding to the Republican president who is now empowered by a sweeping mandate.

"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for," Harris said. "But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting."

Trump's victory was felt down-ballot, with the GOP reclaiming control of the Senate by flipping seats in Montana, West Virginia and Ohio. House Republicans hold the upper hand to retain control though the lower chamber’s Democratic leaders insist the potential for their majority is still in play.

House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi, White House adviser Tom Perez and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser were among the crowd waiting for Harris to speak at Howard.

"Run the World (Girls)" played through speakers at Howard University as supporters, members of Congress and other Democratic notables awaited the Democratic nominee.

The singer appeared with Harris last month during a campaign rally in her hometown of Houston, bringing a high level of star power to what had become a key theme of the Democratic nominee’s bid: freedom.

Ahead of her walk on to Beyoncé’s "Freedom," a mix included Jeezy’s "My President," which includes the lyric, "My president is Black."