The room was full of engaging conversation, powerful arguments and passion for politics at the Vote Your Future Jubilee event, presented by the Washington Informer in collaboration with HU Spotlight Network and the Howard University College Democrats.
The event offered students a chance to engage in discussions about critical issues surrounding the upcoming election so they could express their concerns and take part in meaningful conversations regarding the nation’s future.
DeMarco Rush, Washington Informer writer and video producer, described the event as a “night of conversation of important topics where someone in the crowd, on the panel or even me, could have heard something that they didn’t know about or some topic where they’re interested in and then they go read or learn more.”
As the discussion unfolded, attendees and panelists alike got to deepen their political awareness and discover new perspectives on topics they hadn’t previously considered.
Danny Steele, co-president of Howard University College Democrats and senior criminology major and political science minor from Boston, said the event aimed to empower students with a deeper understanding of voting rights and key political issues. It gave every participant the chance to have their voice heard and to speak about matters truly important to them.
“Events like this are a wealth of knowledge. They can help [students] get information to be informed voters,” he said.
Participants discussed policies regarding economics, criminal justice, abortion access, women’s rights, health care, education, climate change, immigration and more.
Steele said the jubilee “featured a diverse background of student panelists to promote an open dialogue and allowed them to share their ideas in a safe setting, and to enhance political literacy.”
Willie White III, panelist and junior honors political science major and sociology minor from Blackshear, Georgia, attended and spoke at the event to converse with other students willing to work to make a change. He highlighted the importance of students having these conversations.
“It’s also important to talk about this every single year, so we can make sure we’re holding these leaders accountable to the promises that they made to students like us and to the people of the United States of America,” White said.
Karimatu Kargbo, panelist, junior political science major and international affairs minor from PG County, Maryland, thoroughly enjoyed the event. She described it as a good opportunity to talk to her peers and gather a deeper understanding of how her community feels about the upcoming election and voting issues.
“If you’re not in the rooms talking about it, knowing what’s going on and how the world around you impacts you, you’re not able to make a change in it,” she said.
She pointed out that discussions around abortion access are critical, especially in light of recent legislative changes, and stressed protecting women’s rights must be a priority. Additionally, Kargbo highlighted the urgency of addressing immigration issues, noting that many in her community are directly affected by current policies.
Oceane Galamo, panelist, freshman political science major and economics minor from Gaithersburg, Maryland, described feeling inspired by the event and the opportunity to converse with like-minded people who share the same passion for government and politics.
Noel Davidson, a returning political science major from Harlem, found the event enlightening and informative. He wished for more events like this, as it allowed him to gain more insight into what fellow young voters are focused on.
The conversation also delved into the economy, particularly the challenges young people face, including rising living costs and job market uncertainties. Davidson specifically mentioned the importance of discussing student loans and the burden they place on graduates, emphasizing that these conversations are vital for shaping a future that supports young voters.
Davidson also explained the benefits of events like the jubilee. He said they help “to combat voter apathy, keep the energy alive in the voter base and encourage discussion about what’s at stake for the future.”
With young voters increasingly at the center of political conversations, participants stressed the urgency of civic engagement.
“It’s important that every single person votes, especially for the youth. If we want to see the changes that we desire, we have to be able to make sure that we use our voices to vote for the leaders that best represent us,” White said.
The discussions illustrated the importance of advocating for young voters’ rights and interests. Participants noted that issues like criminal justice reform, education equity and economic opportunities are deeply intertwined with their ability to influence decision-makers. Their conversations showcased the impact of politics on every aspect of life, and they left inspired and ready to make a change one vote at a time.
“If you’re 18 and older, you need to be having discussions about politics. Everything in life is political. If you’re not discussing politics, then you’re not living. Voting impacts who represents you and so this is how you impact the world,” Kargbo said.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
