Panel Encourages Student's to Get Involved in Election Season

Aggression, mobilization and education were among the topics discussed at the panel, "The Power of the Black Vote" sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Howard Chapter and the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

One of the pressing issues discussed was the impact and importance of the African-American vote.

"The black vote is under attack," said Benjamin Jealous, president of the NAACP. "Every time we expand our electorate it is followed by an attempt to suppress the vote." Jealous said the African-American vote is under attack simply for the fact that "it matters." Not only the black vote, but also the student vote, are decisive again in this year's election as it was in the 2008 election turnout, he added.

Panelists for the evening also included Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Ray Baker, radio talk show host on Sirius/XM radio of the aforementioned name "Real Talk with Ray Baker."

A student space on the panel was filled by Julian Lewis, senior political science major and director of the political action committee, Super PAC, "1911United." This organization, created by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., serves to educate as well as mobilize voters in support for President Barack Obama's re-election.  Lewis said the next step for African-Americans is to organize.

Through 1911United, Lewis said, "We go to high schools, colleges, playgrounds, and churches to get people aware of what is going on in the government, who are stripping away their rights."

The discussion was underway as panelists called on students to become aggressive when it comes to addressing their legislators as well as having their voices heard. "A collective voice is how we make a difference in politics, Campbell said. "When we organize our coalitions we need to be collective, but strategic."

The issue of voter registration ID was also addressed. According to the Voter Participation Center, "37 percent of African-Americans are not registered, representing 12 percent of all unregistered citizens.

To combat these statistics, Jealous said, "[NAACP] will be sending voter registration forms to the homes of every African-American child turning 18 between November 2010 and November 2012," Jealous said. " We will mail out 1.2 million voter registration forms, and we will be on the ground having our units call as many of these children as possible, knocking on doors, encouraging them to fill these forms out."

Questions were underway from students, those entailing the state of the black vote in terms of mentality.  "Participation is sufficient, participation in the ballot booth is sufficient," Baker said. "Our responsibility as African-Americans is to make sure we maintain a sense of integrity in the political process."

Baker also called for students to aggressively campaign as they did for Troy Davis and not to be pacified by meager efforts. "The only way to combat complacency in politics is through education."  Baker also left students with a statement of "at what point do you choose culture over capital?" Baker said, "Once brothers and sisters who believe they are important begin to see themselves as a part of their community, apathy will dissipate."

For some college students, like Sharayah Williams, this will be their first time voting in yet another important election. The freshman history major said, "I get a chance to voice my opinion."  Williams said the African-American community is divided,  "I think it is important that we stay together and united, that is how we will fix our problems."

"The power of the black vote is in your hands and my hands. Let us protect it for the future generation," said Campbell.