Are HBCU students politically active?
|
Posted By: Rudolph Hickman on November 09, 2011 FEATURED Content Yesterday, I visited two polling precincts in Richmond, Virginia. One of the reasons I was at the polls aside from the obvious one of casting my ballot was to see who else came to participate in the political process. Before, telling you what I observed and the conclusions I have drawn for this unscientific experiment I want to share a few thoughts about the history of voting in the African-American community. The Voting Rights Act was passed by Congress in 1965. I was 15 years old and had just entered my first year of high school. At the time the Act was passed, there was what the Kerner Commission later referred to as "two Americas, one white, one black, separate and unequal, see, http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6545/. One of the key instruments that was used to keep African Americans from participating fully in American life was the inability to go to the polls and vote for public officials who would represent their interests. This was critically important because had the ability to vote been available, blacks would have had the opportunity to redress their unequal status through local, state and federal legislation. Had such political representation been available "jim crow" laws, which served to perpetuate the legacy and subservience of slavery could have been addressed and abolished through political and legislative means. The passage of the Voting Rights Act removed such obstacles as poll taxes and literacy tests and opened the door to voting for members of our community on a wholesale basis. Needless to say, prior to gaining this right, scores of African-Americans, many of them students at HBCU's, suffered unspeakable cruelty and sometimes death - all for the right to cast a ballot in this country's most basic freedom - the right to vote. Fast forward to November 8, 2011 and the voting precincts I visited yesterday. The greater majority of people who came to vote on yesterday were middle-aged and older adults. Absent were the scores of first-time and young adults that turned out in record numbers to elect America's first President of African-American descent - Barack Obama. Gone were the long lines of young people chanting. chatting, and channel surfing on portable computers and other forms of electronic mediums. No, yesterday's elections will not make the kind of splashes that were made in 2008. At least not on a national level, but locally and statewide they were very pivotal in setting the political stage for next year's national election. Student activism has always been part of the fabric of America's political tapestry. As time progresses, young people seem less and less viable as the potent political force they once were and still are capable of being. Will they accept the baton of leadership as the fortunes of this country become more and more unequally divided yet again- this time between the super rich and the growing hordes of have nots - the 99%? Only time will answer this query, but if the answer is yes, bold dynamic and immediate action is required. Are members of the HBCU student community up to the task? You tell me. Blessings. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Rudolph Hickman
Owner, Rudolph Hickman Photography Virginia Union University class of 1974 Member Since August 2005 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Get that Oil change then go save that body Donate Blood Jiffy Lube was our mechanic of choice
Versiti is our Blood Bank of choice
Glow Go Geugh LSUSports.net
...more
How May I Help You NC • 105 Views • April 21st, 2026 |
 |
R&B Songwriter/Actor CHRISTIAN KEYES Is Back With Hot New Single "Your Love Feels Like Home"@CHRISTIANKEYES #CHRISTIANKEYES
IG@ChristianKeyes
YouTube@ActorChristianKeyes
FB@ActorChristianKeyes
After having all three songs from his recent album, on the Billboard top 30 R&B chart, CHRIST ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 129 Views • April 20th, 2026 |
 |
JUNIQUES GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW MOVEMENTJUNIQUES GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW MICRO‑BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CREED
For Builders. For Dreamers. For Doers. For the Movement.
I believe my business has value.
I believe my work has purpose.
...more
rickey johnson • 240 Views • April 18th, 2026 |
 |
How the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Came to BeTo understand the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you have to see the bigger picture of Hyundai's overall strategy. When Hyundai first entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the modest Excel, it was considered ...more
Randi Payton • 209 Views • April 16th, 2026 |
 |
Houston TX Wordsmith RICHIE MIKE Is Back With Hot New Single "Block Getting Hot"@RICHIEMIKE #RICHIEMIKE
YouTube@RICHIEMIKE
FB@RICHIEMIKE
IG@RICHIEMIKE
Video For Single
"Block Getting Hot" Below.
https://youtu.be/Co-vGLqNECM?si=_YG5-Dj-9kxjkx4Z
https://www.foxfirema ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 593 Views • April 15th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,941,336 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,280 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,330 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 62,518 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
