Voter Registration: HBCUs Driving Political Change
Written By: Elainey Bass
Back in the day, HBCU students were one of the main focal points of political activism. Students were protesting, marching, and peacefully combating systemic racial aggression until they saw a change. As time goes on, methods of political awareness have changed and students are choosing a different approach when it comes to spreading the word about implementing change. With the upcoming election happening, topics like student loan forgiveness, gun control, and immigration legislation have been at the forefront for upcoming student voters. Now it’s no secret that both parties want to win over the Black youth vote. With Kamala being an HBCU alum, many feel the connections and allies are already present, especially with the Biden-Harris administration providing more than $16 billion in funding to our institutions. As November 5th quickly approaches, initiatives to increase voter registration amongst HBCU students have begun.
On a national standpoint, there have been multiple organizations that are taking the initiative to register HBCU voters. Michelle Obama’s national voting initiative, When We All Vote, has partnered with Live Nation Urban, BET, and HBCU Buzz to increase student voter registration by providing incentives to their schools that could include special performances. Xceleader, a non-profit organization, hosts a 10-stop HBCU tour called Vote HBCU to increase voter participation amongst the students. Since its launch in 2020, the organization has registered over 3,000 voters.
On campuses, students are taking charge of their political future by organizing voter registration drives. Clark Atlanta University’s SGA held a National Voter Registration Day block party on campus to educate their students on the importance of the vote and how to register. The students will also receive help when it comes to navigating the absentee ballot process. Hampton University’s SGA also held a voter registration drive on campus for students to promote voter registration and education.
Beyond the voting registration events, HBCUs have been hosting town halls and lectures to enhance political engagement. In fact, many HBCUs held watch parties for the presidential debate that happened earlier this month. These separate events give students the chance to have open discussion about policies and issues that will end up directly affecting them over the next four years. By driving these conversations, HBCUs are showing the importance of the vote while simultaneously molding the next generation of HBCU-bred political leaders.
As we look towards the results of this election and future ones, the role of HBCUs in driving voter registration and political change will continue to grow. With each election, HBCUs remind us of the power of collective action, the importance of education, and the vital role that young people play in shaping the nation’s political landscape. From the Civil Rights Movement till now, it’s refreshing to see the same spirit of activism ignite in our students today. The desire to foster a culture of political engagement while increasing voter registration and activism, ensures that the next generation of HBCU leaders is equipped not just with knowledge, but with the power to shape their future through the ballot box.