Photo by Noah Cathey

By Noah Cathey, Staff Writer

It seems as if every man of Morehouse has been touched by the 2024 Presidential race. Slogans reverberate from Instagram reels and television commercials. SGA, Collegiate 100 and other prominent Registered Student Organizations collaborate on voting promotion events. Tables on Brown Street and independent canvassers bombard students with reminders of their civic and moral duty. 

One of the most extraordinary election seasons in the history of this country has left its impact on the world and this institution. Just before the votes are tallied across the nation, students reflect on the impact of this election independent of what the results may be.

“I felt very motivated to vote for the first time,” freshman Keyshawn Ward said. “My coming of age aligns with the moment in history where we all have the chance to make a great change. Our fundamental rights—voting, health, freedom—are all on the ballot and I feel that. Democracy is at stake.”

The 93 Student Government Administration has spent the year using their platform to ensure students get involved in political processes. From hosting campaigns on campus to marching with students from 830 Westview Drive to polling locations, SGA has left no stone unturned. But for SGA President Rollin “RJ” Jackson Jr, this matter is not only institutional—it is personal.

“Whoever is president these next four years will have a huge impact on my life,” Jackson said. “In the next four years, I will be going through graduate school, buying a house, starting a family. All of those are on the ballot. My future is on the ballot.”

Faculty are also using their platform to alert students of the importance of this election and its results. Dr. Nathaniel Norment, English professor and director of the Writing Center, hopes that current Men of Morehouse realize the significance of their vote.

“The next 30 years will be decided by this election,” Norment said. “I’m an 82-year old. I have seen a number of moments that have impacted this nation enough to know when a one-of-a-kind moment is coming. This is one of those moments.”

Mathematics professor Manuel Morris echoes these sentiments. He feels that this year’s cycle is unlike any other, and the results of it are more wide-reaching than ever.

“When you look at both candidates, it’s not hard to see that America is truly choosing one of two different paths,” he said. “Each of them has a very specific view for the future of our country and this winner of this election truly symbolizes the direction America desires for itself. Unlike any other election in my life, I feel like there are far-reaching repercussions between the choice of Harris and Trump.”

The President of Morehouse’s chapter of Collegiate 100, James McGee II, thinks that this election season is fitting for the class of 2025’s final year. This year’s graduating class hopes their lasting impact will be increasing the college’s ability to inform, engage and advocate. 

“We’ve done a lot to help move Morehouse towards maximum engagement,” McGee said. “When you look at the student leaders across this campus and the whole AUC, they are from this class. We all have given ourselves to this work. We are confident our efforts will not be in vain.”

Copy Edited by Editor-in-Chief, Colin Royal