Tougaloo College hosted a special civic engagement seminar on Wednesday featuring Congressman Bennie Thompson as the guest speaker. The event, which invited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from across Mississippi, focused on the importance of voting rights as the November presidential election approaches.
Congressman Thompson emphasized young people's critical role in shaping the future, highlighting the need for them to stay informed and engaged in civic matters. “They are the future leaders. And being the future leaders, they need to learn what’s going on. But also, people like me, and others need to listen to them,” Thompson remarked. He further stressed the importance of retaining Mississippi's young talent, urging students to remain in the state after completing their education. “We lose too many of our talented young people to the benefits of other states,” he said.
The seminar provided a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions to improve community involvement and educate voters, not only for the upcoming presidential election but also for local city and county elections. The conversations centered on empowering Mississippians to exercise their voting rights and have a greater impact on the future of their communities.
Nsombi Lambright-Haynes, executive director of OneVoiceMS, praised the enthusiasm of the students in attendance. “We always say that young people don’t do anything, and young people don’t come out to vote. But these young people are here to make a difference. The young people have always been at the forefront of movement warriors. It was very impressive to see them actively engaged in this process today,” she said.
The summit also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Mississippians are registered and prepared to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Tougaloo College’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility was evident through the event, empowering students and community members to shape the future of the state and the nation.
