Courtesy of Florida A&M University
Florida RisingāsĀ HBCU TourĀ has officially hit the ground running with an electrifying kickoff atĀ Florida A&M UniversityĀ (FAMU)! The inaugural event, held during Set Market Fridays as part of theĀ South Carolina StateĀ vs. FAMU football game weekend, energized students and the community, marking the beginning of a dynamic series of engagements across historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The atmosphere at FAMU was electric as students gathered to participate in the first stop of The HBCU Tour, an effort dedicated to mobilizing Black andĀ BrownĀ communities ahead of the upcoming elections. The event highlighted the importance of voter participation, with students eagerly discussing their voting plans and solidifying their commitment to making their voices heard.
āWeāre thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm we witnessed at FAMU,ā said Nubian Roberts, Black Constituency Director ofĀ Florida Rising. āThis event set the tone for what we anticipate will be a powerful and impactful tour, as we work together to empower students and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in the electoral process.ā
The HBCU Tour aims to engage students in meaningful conversations about social, economic, and racial justice, while also providing them with the tools to take action in their communities. As part of this initiative, students are encouraged to create a voting plan, register to vote, and stay informed about key issues affecting their lives.
The next stops on The HBCU Tour include:
- FloridaĀ Memorial UniversityĀ onĀ September 7, 2024, during the Edward Waters at FloridaĀ Memorial UniversityĀ football game
- Bethune Cookman University onĀ September 21, 2024, during theĀ Clark Atlanta UniversityĀ at Bethune Cookman University football game
- Edward Waters University onĀ September 28, 2024, during the Tuskegee at Edward Waters University football game
āThe energy and commitment weāve seen from students at FAMU are truly inspiring,ā saidĀ Dwight Bullard, Senior Political Advisor ofĀ Florida Rising. āTheir eagerness to engage in the democratic process and their passion for driving change reaffirm the importance of this tour. Weāre excited to continue this journey across other HBCUs, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among students as we head into the election season.ā
Florida RisingĀ continues to bring together Black andĀ BrownĀ communities across the state to advance social, economic, and racial justice, with The HBCU Tour serving as a crucial platform for engaging the next generation of leaders.