By Alexis Dumerjean
The civil rights legacy of Black college students has long been a staple in the nation’s fight for equality. The GenZ generation brings its unique perspectives, priorities, and potential for change in our quality of life. The Florida A & M University NAACP joined Partners in Progress Inc., by sponsoring the Student Leadership Forum, an ongoing Step Up & Vote GenZ empowerment program.
Over forty students from FAMU, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College participated in interactive introductory campaign methods training session. The forum launched a statewide plan to train student managers in campaign basics allowing them to craft strategies for peer-to-peer voter engagement. The training sessions will begin in earnest in April and continue through September with the goal of increasing GenZ voter turnout.
GenZ’s presence in the political process is real. And, while their voting record has improved dramatically, particularly in presidential election cycles, it falls short of other age groups. Ironically, their low and inconsistent turnout negatively impacts their political interest most.
“This forum was extremely informative, I learned more as a political action chair. My main goal is to bring awareness, and importance of this upcoming election. I believe that after this workshop I can do that more effectively,” according to Nia Talbott, FAMU NAACP Political Action Chair.
In addition to PIP efforts, college NAACP chapters have stepped up mobilization, voter registration drives, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, to empower students. By engaging directly with their peers on college campuses, they are fostering a culture of civic responsibility and activism.
The FAMU NAACP chapter is highlighting the connection between voting and the issues that matter most to GenZ. The Student Leadership Forum brought home the importance of voting to shape policies that directly affect their lives, such as education, tuition increases, student loans, climate change, and social justice. Sydney Aitcheson the Partners and Progress liaison and recent FAMU Grad, said, “This was a surreal moment for me. I was in these exact same seats not too long ago. To see more college students coming together and organizing is such a good feeling. Watching the next generation of college students lead is all I could ask for.”
For more information, D9 undergraduate chapters, student leaders and GenZers interested in participating in the Step Up & Vote contact partnersinprogressflorida@gmail.com for more information.
