During HBCU week, Mu Lambda Omega Chapter’s AKA Connection committee collaborated with the HBCU committee to host a virtual panel discussion on Brave New Film’s “Suppressed: The Fight to Vote,” that was also livestreamed on Facebook. Panelists included AKA members Shakari Byerly, Nicole J. Jones, and Patrice Marshall McKenzie and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Lawrence Ross. All Panelists were well versed in voting initiatives in the state of California.
This engaging discussion shed light on the problem of voter suppression in communities of color and how we can mobilize our communities and in particular the role our HBCUs can play. Our theme for HBCU week was “Intersection: Urgency and Perspective.” We intended to encourage the collective power, through sharing our perspectives, at this urgent moment of national social unrest. Almost 80 people virtually attended the event, streaming live to 172 people and reaching 960 views via social media within the first 72 hours.
There was an impactful exchange of information, that dispelled myths about voting by mail and left attendees with more than 20 practical tips for mobilizing voters. Our call-to-action was to challenge attendees to educate, register and mobilize voters. This presentation is currently available on the MLO Facebook & YouTube pages.
