The Vote HBCU “Say It Louder Tour” is set to empower students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing essential tools and resources to amplify their voices in the upcoming election. This 10-stop tour, organized by Xceleader and HeadCount, aims to mobilize and educate young Black voters, ensuring they actively participate in shaping their communities.
Tour details
The tour will kick off on Aug. 16 and will visit 10 HBCU campuses, including: Virginia State University, Howard University, Tuskegee University, North Carolina A&T State University, Fort Valley State University, Florida A&M University, South Carolina State University, Claflin University, Shaw University and Bethune Cookman University.
Engaging young voters
Each stop will feature interactive workshops, high-profile guest speakers, voter registration drives and performances by local artists, all designed to create a vibrant and informative experience for students. Tevon Blair, Co-Founder of Xceleader, emphasizes the importance of equipping HBCU students with the knowledge they need to make informed voting decisions.
Student perspectives
Students like Aniya Warfield, a political science major at Fort Valley State University, believe the tour is crucial for demonstrating the impact of student voices in elections.
Winston Williams, a junior at North Carolina A&T, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pivotal role of HBCUs in elections.
Community and institutional support
Tameka Harper, Dean of Students at Tuskegee University, noted the importance of institutional support in this initiative. She explained that it’s the perfect blend of the administration wanting to get involved and partnering with community organizations like Vote HBCU to bring the necessary resources.
The Vote HBCU “Say It Louder Tour” is not just about registering voters; it’s about fostering a culture of civic engagement among HBCU students. The tour kicks off on Aug. 16 at Virginia State University and concludes on Sept. 17 at Fort Valley State University. This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that young Black voters are informed, engaged and ready to make their voices heard in the electoral process.
