As the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Charlotte, N.C., hundreds of college students packed the decked-out gym-turned-political-forum at Johnson C. Smith University and were told to do two things: prepare to ask questions and use all of their hand-held devises to Tweet, video, text, email and snap pictures about what they were seeing and learning during the event. After all, this was a cyber-summit, not the classroom.
The historically Black Johnson C. Smith University and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute hosted UFuture: A Summit for Innovative Young Thinkers, to give students a chance to discuss wide-ranging issues ahead of the November presidential election. Of course, the conversation included political activism and voting rights, but also such topics as recommendations for improving the student financial aid process, Black women’s health and STEM as the new career frontier. University President Ronald Carter spoke briefly, but watched and listened intently to the energetic crowd of students.
“The summit speaks to the desire of today’s young voter’s to engage in politics and receive answers to relevant issues that affect their future,” Carter says.
While most of those in attendance traveled from colleges and universities in the region, others joined the conversation from Morehouse College, Morgan State University and other campuses across the country via video or other social media.
Bounding about the stage in black and white high-top tennis shoes and black jeans, Hollywood actor and author Hill Harper of CSI-NY, helped keep students pumped up and the questions flowing to national elected officials, congressional members, White House staff, educators and corporate leaders making their way on and off of the platform throughout the morning. Award-winning actresses Alfre Woodard, who admitted to her gadget waving audience that she was a social media newbie, and Nicole Ari Parker, known for her starring role in Soul Food, served as summit hosts along with Harper.
South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn and North Carolina Congressman Melvin Watt were among the legendary Black political voices invited to dole out advice, answers and encouragement to their attentive campus leaders, many of whom would be voting for the first time in the November 2012 presidential election.
Ahead of introducing his oldest daughter, Mignon Clyburn, an FCC Commissioner, the Assistant Democratic Leader told students to follow her example and learn to “think independently and for yourself,” especially on education and political issues. And to remember your manners.
