Photo by Jasir Dollard: AUC students start to gather in the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel ahead of the AUC Election Day Watch Party 

By Jasir Dollard, Staff Writer

AUC students gathered in the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel for the AUC Election Day Watch Party, powered by UNCF & The Cause International. There were over 100 attendees; the event brought students together for a spirited evening of discussion, engagement, and debate.

The debate itself has been a clash of contrasting views on issues that resonate deeply with the college crowd. Economic policy, climate change, healthcare, immigration, and social justice are areas that are particularly relevant to the young, diverse audience.

Kendall Mitchell, a sophomore Psychology major at Spelman College, expressed her concerns for women if Trump was elected.

“For the government to tell a woman what she can or can’t do with her body shows that our country is taking one million steps backwards,” Mitchell said. “I can only imagine what else Trump will try to do during his presidency.”

The 93rd President of the Morehouse Student Government Association Rollin Jackson Jr shared some insight as well.

“I definitely look forward to a sense of relief and peace honestly,” he said. “I feel like there is so much division on the other side that we cannot afford again as a country.”

The watch party erupted with cheers, groans, and moments of silence or excitement as the screen displayed each candidate’s voting numbers and electoral votes.

Issa Garner, a freshman at Morehouse College, was particularly impacted by the watch party.

“I think it brings a sense of unity when we [Black students] need it the most as many people’s lives will be affected by the next candidate whether good or bad,” Garner said. “It means a lot that everyone came together to support each other in such a stressful time.”

As the 2024 election has concluded, the college’s watch party showcased the importance of informed discussion and community engagement—reminding students of the power of their voices and votes in shaping the future of the nation.

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