Virtual event emphasizes the need to vote
According to census data provided by the Brookings Institution, Millennials and some Gen Zs make up 37% of eligible voters, about the same share of the electorate as Baby Boomers and Pre-Boomers. To put it in simpler terms, young people have the power to shape the 2020 election. And last week several local organizations joined forces to educate young voters ahead of Election Day with a virtual forum that allowed voters to hear candidate’s views on some of the most pressing issues.
Hosted by Millennial Night, the Urban League Young Professionals, and the NAACP’s Young Adult Committee, the 2020 Virtual Political Party was designed to provide a “nonpartisan, unbiased and upbeat environment for candidates to converse and engage Black and brown millennial and young professionals of the Triad area. To get things going during the virtual event, DJ Ricochet pumped out the tunes while viewers and event organizers introduced themselves and mingled virtually among the attendees.
After introductions, moderators Abrea Armstrong, president of the Young Professionals, and Kenneth Pettigrew, first vice president of the Young Professionals, took turns asking candidates questions that matter most to Millennials and Gen Z.
Candidates who participated in the open forum included: Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines; Amber Baker (NC House District 72); Dan Besse (NC House District 74); Terri LeGrand (NC Senate District 31); Sen. Paul Lowe (NC Senate District 32); Mike Silver (District Court Judge); Chris Smith (Forsyth County Board of Commissioners); Eric Weis (Forsyth County Board of Commissioners); and Jenna Wadsworth (Commissioner of Agriculture).
When discussing the Political PARTY, organizer Magalie Yacinthe said the event was necessary to ensure young people exercise their right to vote.
“We could not let COVID-19 stop our efforts to reach out to our generation. This is too important, especially in times such as these,” said Yacinthe. “All are welcomed to come with the understanding that this event is an authentic, interactive and fun experience, designed and produced by millennials for millennials in order to successfully drive the millennial vote.”
The 2020 Political PARTY can be viewed by visiting the Winston-Salem Urban League’s Facebook page.
