By Dr. Amanda Wilkerson
Dr. Amanda Wilkerson, a University Assistant Professor and Higher Education Researcher specializing in Black student civic engagement, is calling for a major shift in how political leaders engage youth voters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her research on political socialization and HBCU student voters reveals that, despite their strong civic engagement, these students were largely overlooked in the 2024 election cycle. Many campaigns failed to deliver messages that aligned with their lived experiences, highlighting a critical gap in political outreach and engagement strategies.
“In the wake of the 2024 election, a pressing question remains,” Dr. Wilkerson asks. “Will political leaders finally learn to effectively engage Black youth voters, or will they continue to treat them as an afterthought?”
In her newly published Forbes article, “The Messaging Gap: Reaching Black Youth Voters at HBCUs,” Dr. Amanda Wilkerson examines how the outcome of the 2024 presidential election underscored ongoing shortcomings in political outreach to Black youth voters at HBCUs. Her analysis highlights the persistent disconnect between campaigns and these students, emphasizing the urgent need for political leaders to move beyond surface-level engagement and adopt culturally relevant strategies that genuinely reflect the priorities of Black HBCU voters.
Key Insights on Black Youth Voter Engagement at HBCUs
- Informed and Engaged, Yet Overlooked: HBCU students are politically aware but often feel ignored and not engaged by mainstream campaign efforts.
- Campaigns That Miss the Mark: Traditional outreach strategies fail to address pressing issues such as student debt relief, racial justice, and economic empowerment.
- The Power of Peer Networks: Student-led organizations, campus activism, and culturally grounded voter mobilization efforts have been the most effective means of engagement.
- A Call for Authenticity: Political leaders must move beyond generic outreach and invest in genuine, issue-based engagement that reflects the priorities of Black youth.
“HBCU students aren’t disengaged—they are discerning,” asserts Dr. Wilkerson. “The issue isn’t voter apathy. It’s that campaigns continue to ignore the political culture and priorities of Black students.”
As Black History Month prompts reflection on the political power of a historically minoritized community, Dr. Wilkerson urges policymakers, advocacy groups, and political leaders to reassess their engagement strategies. By actively partnering with HBCU students and valuing their perspectives, campaigns can build authentic connections and create lasting political momentum.