The When We All Vote Rally brought together Spelman College students and first time voters across the metro-Atlanta area on October 29, 2024. Michelle Obama was featured as the keynote speaker of the rally, which she founded and currently co-chairs along with celebrities such as Chris Paul, Kerry Washington, Selena Gomez, and more. This national and nonpartisan initiative was created to reinvent the culture around voting, encouraging first-time voters to cast ballots, with a special emphasis on students. The event honors the continuous work of groups committed to ensuring all eligible voters are registered and prepared to vote. 

Throughout the evening, the event featured a series of performances and speeches from notable friends Obama brought along. Hometown country rapper Blanco Brown and R&B singer Ari Lennox energized the crowd with live music. At the same time, Grammy Award-winning artist Ciara and award-winning musicians and artists, including Kelly Rowland, former Destiny’s Child singer and actor; singer Victoria Monét; and actors Kerry Washington and Marsai Martin, reinforced the importance of voting. They encouraged young voters to make a voting plan, get to the polls early or on Election Day, and help others in their schools and communities do the same. With each artist sharing personal experiences, the rally promoted unity and determination, reminding attendees that voting is a form of self-empowerment. The event exemplified When We All Vote's mission to foster a culture of civic engagement that’s energized and accessible, aiming to turn voting into a lifelong commitment rather than a single act.

Among the inspired voices at the event was Jeslyn Hunter, Spelman C '28, who urged her peers to recognize their power in shaping the future. For Hunter and many others, the rally was a chance to reflect on the power of young voters to bring about meaningful change:

To my peers who feel their vote will not matter, I would say to find the root of that sentiment and mobilize against it. If that means volunteering to protect our polls or giving a platform to political figures who they feel would better our world. Either way, to lay down and accept an oppressive fate is just as bad as aiding in it. 

As students shared stories and connected, a spirit of determination filled the air. The event also spotlighted the dedication of local and national organizations that work year-round to support voter registration and education efforts in Georgia, ensuring that students feel prepared and confident in their right to vote. First-time voters in attendance echoed similar sentiments, expressing newfound excitement for the role they could play in the upcoming election. Michelle Obama reminded students that civic engagement does not end at the ballot box; it is an ongoing commitment to shaping their communities. 

The significance of civic engagement at the grassroots level has grown even more important after the election. In addition to voting, community people are urged to continue being involved in local affairs, hold elected officials responsible, and push for the reforms that are important to them. As the nation progresses, grassroots initiatives may maintain momentum and guarantee that the opinions of all community members, especially students, are heard. Civic engagement must continue as a long-term group endeavor to create a future everyone dreams of, where every vote and voice contributes to significant change.

Students left the event energized by Michelle Obama’s remarks, embracing her message that voting should be a collective effort, not just an individual choice. She pushed them to understand that showing up at the polls isn’t only about personal beliefs and uplifting and defending shared values within their communities. Obama encouraged them to connect with friends, family, and classmates, urging each other to vote and keep each other accountable. "If he hasn't voted, leave that man alone!" she said, encouraging participants to surround themselves with individuals who share their understanding of the value of political involvement. The audience cheered and laughed, but the message was clear: friends, family, and partners should all prioritize voting. 

Her words inspired many to think of voting as an opportunity to build a unified voice for change rather than just casting a lone ballot. Students recognized the power of standing together to impact critical issues, from reproductive health to job opportunities, and felt a renewed sense of responsibility to inspire others. This perspective reframed civic engagement for many, highlighting that individual actions can drive a much larger, collective movement toward a better future. 

Michelle Obama emphasized in her address how vital the next election is, particularly for young people. She clarified that the topics on the ballot are profoundly personal, cut across all political lines, and affect every facet of everyday life. Depending on who is elected, policy may drastically alter in the field of reproductive health, which is a significant issue for many young people. With growing expenses and discussions around student debt impacting the futures of innumerable students, access to reasonably priced, high-quality education is still in jeopardy. Obama underlined that political leaders aware of the difficulties facing the next generation of workers are equally essential to employment prospects and career chances. Voting was about defending these rights and claiming that citizens can impact laws that will affect their lives for years. Reminding them that their voices are required to safeguard the freedoms and opportunities they desire, she inspired the audience to understand that voting is a chance to take charge of their destiny and affect the country's course.

Now that the election is over, the expected course of policies under Trump's Project 2025 is more apparent, particularly for women and Black communities. Project 2025 aims to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, impeding critical support networks in the workplace, schools, and elsewhere. Black workers and students will have fewer resources if DEI funding is eliminated, which would reduce their chances for educational and professional progress and raise the possibility of inequities in several areas. States like Georgia, where restrictions are already harsh, are expected to strengthen their regulations on reproductive health. This will have an even more significant effect on Black women, who already experience disproportionately high rates of maternal death. Georgia already has one of the worst rates of maternal mortality among Black women.  This situation is made worse by restricting access to reproductive care and compromising women's health choices, particularly for underserved populations with few healthcare options.

As students engaged with one another, exchanged experiences, and celebrated their shared commitment to change, the event promoted a spirit of togetherness and resolve. For many first-time voters, the event was a potent reinforcement of their role in determining the future. Michelle Obama's appearance reminded them that their vote is just one component of a continuous commitment to improving their neighborhoods. The organization's goal can change how communities and young people see their ability to influence politics, as it seeks to transform civic involvement into a lifetime commitment rather than a periodic obligation by promoting a voting culture that cuts across party lines and is based on shared community values. The enthusiasm and excitement at the event suggested that this strategy may be effective, turning voting from a lone act into one based on unity and a shared desire for advancement.

Although the rally may not have produced the intended election results, it successfully sowed the seeds of resilience and commitment. It proved that communities can accelerate progress by banding together and organizing, voting, or holding leaders accountable. Michelle Obama reminded the crowd that democracy flourishes when people work together toward a common goal. The call to action is still quite evident - continue to be active, help one another, and create a future in which every vote counts and every voice is heard. We can all effect change, and the effort to reimagine voting culture is ongoing.