HBCU Votes x NYC HBCU Classic
On September 14, 2024, the annual HBCU NY Classic featured the historic rivalry between Morehouse College and Howard University. This event is more than just a football game; it is a celebration of HBCU pride and unity within the Black community, drawing students and alumni together from across the country. While Morehouse fell short with a final score of 21-35, the true significance of the event lies in the camaraderie and culture that it fosters. The HBCU NY Classic continues to be a powerful reminder of the strength and legacy of historically Black institutions
In addition to fostering fellowship between the two schools, the event highlighted and discussed the upcoming presidential election. The annual game received heightened attention this year, given that Vice President and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris is an alumna of Howard University. Many conversations surrounding the game were centered on the chances of Harris winning the election, vital and current political issues, and the importance of voter registration.
With so much at stake in this election, HBCU Votes is a nonprofit organization that was founded by Morehouse senior Kioi Shropshire-Maina, who attended the game to raise awareness about civic engagement, encourage voter registration, and promote informed voting among students. Student volunteers from Spelman, Howard, and Morehouse joined forces with HBCU Votes to demonstrate their passion for and dedication to improving their communities and encouraging active participation in all elections.
During the weekend of the Classic, HBCU Votes hosted several events, kicking off with an alumni-student mixer at the Renaissance Hotel in Harlem, where everyone gathered to connect. The highlight of the evening was a speech by New York City’s Councilman, Dr. Yusef Salaam, a member of The Central Park Five. Salaam spoke on the importance of voting as a community and the power we hold at the ballot box. His speech deeply resonated with many attendees, as they were familiar with his story and moved by the significance of his message. Senior Ariana Levin, who serves as the Spelman Demz External Vice President and a HBCU Votes volunteer shared:
To be in the room with Dr. Yusef was a surreal experience. Being a native New Yorker, I always knew of his story and its impact on the community. I was inspired by the speech, especially when he spoke life into us as Black people, reminding us of the hardships we’ve faced in this country and the need to stand behind Kamala Harris by electing her into office.
HBCU Votes continued their activism during the HBCU Classic tailgate. Volunteers set up a vibrant tent that became a hub for engagement and conversation. The tent was not only a space for voter education and registration—but a space of empowerment where individuals from all walks of life left feeling inspired by their power to shape the future, understanding that their voices and votes truly matter. Attendees of all ages asked questions about the presidential election and how they could register to vote. The tent was not only a space for information—it was a space of empowerment, where individuals left feeling inspired by their power to shape the future, understanding that their voice and vote truly matter. HBCU Votes turned an annual sports tailgate into a powerful moment of civic participation, sparking conversations that could transform the political landscape.
Senior Spelman Demz President, Student Government Association (SGA) Chief Justice, and HBCU Votes volunteer Sage Allen reflected, “Being able to be a part of a group of like-minded volunteers was a special feeling for me. I was able to work with my peers to achieve the goal of getting people educated and registered to vote.”
As the eventful weekend of the Classic comes to a close, the impact of HBCU Votes remains clear. From engaging discussions to inspiring speeches and moments of connection, it is evident that our voices matter. HBCU Votes will continue their activism by visiting North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) to engage with students on their duty to vote. I hope everyone walks away with a renewed commitment to getting involved with voting, using their voice, and making their vote count. Voting is not just a right; it is our power to influence the future. Let us continue to engage, uplift one another, and ensure that we stay politically active because together, we can create lasting change. Students wanting to get involved with HBCU Votes and support their efforts should direct message their Instagram page @HBCUVOTERS!