Photo by Colin Royal

By Colin Royal, Editor-in-Chief

CHICAGO – The Democratic National Convention houses many of the nation’s most influential politicians and policymakers. Each of these men and women have the power to directly influence the future of their national and local communities.

These leaders have great power; however, each of them is empowered by the people that they represent. Kentucky State Sen. Reginald Thomas, Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams, and Gary Flowers, a political analyst and host of “The Gary Flowers Show,” all spoke about the importance of student voters.

“You are essential to our nation,” Thomas said while waiting for buses that shuttled delegates from place to place all week.

Each politician stressed the importance of student voters, especially during this election. They explained how young college men and women will help to dictate the future of our nation and how they must contribute to that future by voting.

“First and foremost, when young people come along, America comes alive,” Flower said.

He spoke about how youth traditionally drive major political change and progress. He spoke about how college-aged men and women were driving forces for the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. He also cited various political movements and key historical events that were enlivened by students.

Moving from the past to the present, Flowers spoke to the concerns that influence how young people vote.

“First, let me address what I think are legitimate concerns by young people, and that for young people, the political system in America needs to be transformed,” he said.

Williams had a positive perspective on the involvement of students in politics. She expressed the high levels of young voter participation in Georgia and provided insight into how she thinks current officials can keep youth engaged.

“What I do know is that we have to make sure that we are meeting people where they are,” she said. “We need to have conversations with young voters about the issues that matter to them.”

Williams talked about two main issues that young people have approached her about: the rising cost of living and student debt. Flower echoed those conclusions, commenting on the high cost of college tuition.

“Issues that impact young people need to be addressed by current candidates, tuition being one of them,” Flowers said. “How do we transform the system so that people actually have a fair chance of succeeding in society?”

Flowers, Williams, and Thomas all reaffirmed that for any change to happen in America, the youth need to be involved. Even if students can only change a little bit today, their action is far more beneficial than their inaction.

“Even if you are not pleased with the current system, as I am, this vote is critical for preserving what we know as the United States of America,” Flowers said.

Copy Edited by Journalism Department Chair, Ron Thomas