Source: Lauren “Bobby Pen” Williams / iOne Digital
A recent poll by the Washington Post revealed that only 39% of Black women aged 18 to 39 plan to vote this year, compared to 69% who were certain to vote in 2020. Many are dissatisfied with the current administration, questioning which policies have specifically benefited black women. Others found it extremely difficult to choose between Trump’s platform, which threatens our democracy and concerns about Biden’s age. Some have become apathetic to the political process or were never interested to begin with.
There is a shift in the political landscape as younger Black voters are less likely to lean Democratic. This election is seen as an opportunity for young Black voters to make a difference, especially with Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket.
During her remarks at the sixteenth biennial boule of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Vice President Harris underscored the importance of unity and engagement among Black Americans, women, young leaders, and community leaders nationwide. Her Summer Engagement series included stops at every sorority’s national convention of the Divine Nine this election season.
Source: Brandon Bell / Getty
Harris urged for collective action Wednesday evening (July 31), stating, “In this moment, we face a choice between two very different visions for our nation. One focused on the future, the other focused on the past. And we in this room are fighting for the future.”
Two young Black voters, Gabrielle Orji, a Prairie View A&M University alumna from Arlington, Tex., and Jazlyn Perry, a current student from Villa Rica, Ga., are actively engaged as registered voters and are excited about participating in the political process. Voting is a tradition they acquired as soon as they arrived on their HBCU campus.
Orji, a 22-year-old recent graduate and previous Student Government Association President, reflected: “I was tasked with seeing how we can move young people to vote. Prairie View A&M University has a rich voter history, and we have annual events like March to the Polls. We do an amazing job at educating incoming freshmen about our tradition and culture to protect our legacy and continue the fight against oppression.”
Perry, also 22 years old, recently found enthusiasm for politics. She mentioned that seeing President Biden exit the race made this election more interesting, motivating her to dive deeper into the political process. “I’m super excited to see Kamala Harris run for office. I look forward to seeing more young people empowered to empower others to vote,” she said.
Vice President Harris went on to continue to comfort constituents with promises for a favorable future where women are centered: “We know when we lift up the economic status of women, we lift up the economic status of children, of families, and all of society benefits,” she said. She promised to protect women’s reproductive rights, the middle class, the freedom to vote, to be safe from gun violence and the freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate.
Off to her next stop, VP Harris left Houston, Tex., with a clear call to action: “So let us continue to fight with faith, with optimism, and with hope. And when we fight, we win.”
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