Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) share a common bond with other marginalized groups. Our nation’s history is full of stories of the hard fought for fair voting rights.
Therefore, as this struggle continues due to the need to combat various voter suppression tactics, college campuses must play a crucial role in fostering a connection between political leaders and their electorate.
Higher education has the power to make political engagement on campus much easier by providing greater access to political candidates.
The voices heard, the debates sparked, and the connections made can spark political engagement among students.
As researchers of the political socialization of young Black voters at HBCUs, we can offer critical guidance to those seeking to engage with HBCU students. Effective policy messaging to this demographic relies on authentic engagement that includes a sincere effort to address students’ concerns and priorities.
Superficial appearances, monologues or insincere seeking of support will not have the desired impact.
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When political candidates embark on messaging and outreach tours, they must be careful not to alienate the critical but often underestimated demographic of young black voters, who too often feel like they only matter. politicians during election season.
We know this from interviews with more than 118 young Black voters at HBCUs, who expressed frustration with politicians who resort to false pandering by playing identity politics — for example, “Vote for me because you are black” – or making superficial statements like “I’m moving on.” hot sauce in my bag” or “I lit a joint.”
Such tactics turn off these young voters, who want real conversations about their rights before discussing what they should do with their votes.
The interviews were part of our recent project funded by the National Science Foundation. research on the political socialization of black youth at HBCUs.
Politicians who invite themselves onto our campuses should prioritize giving students unfiltered access that allows for unscripted interactions and authentic engagement.
Here are some recommendations based on our findings:
First, candidates must strategically engage with young voters by going where they are. The key to effectively engaging young voters lies in the choice of location and method of interaction.
Instead of speaking in large auditoriums, candidates should focus on smaller venues – campus cafeterias, quadrangles and student dormitories – to facilitate flexible, authentic conversations.
Second, applicants should emphasize that they are interested in learning from students during their campus visits. The importance of these visits lies in the lessons taught by the students and the feedback received from them. Listening to student voices is essential for visits to have an impact. Applicants should indicate that they believe students can make valuable contributions.
Third, these young voters want politicians to pay real attention to their needs and aspirations. As one participant so eloquently put it: “Show what you’ve done. Why should I vote for you, if you haven’t done anything in my community that shows me that you are there for me and not just my vote?
Finally, candidates should work to maintain voter engagement momentum beyond Election Day. Voting is just the beginning, and if candidates gain initial support from young black voters, they could gain lasting support.
Candidate campus visits provide voters and politicians with an opportunity to cultivate trust and build stronger relationships beyond Election Day.
Engagement is not about wallowing or taking campaign stops; rather, it is about empowering a generation to vote for leaders who truly champion their cause.
One example: Vice President Kamala Harris toured college campuses, including HBCUs, during her visit. “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour.” »
However, his lecture approach, with moderate discussions, does not seem to achieve a real connection. If the tour’s goal is to inspire and empower young voters on issues important to their demographic, it should actively include them in the plan.
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Politicians who invite themselves onto our campuses should prioritize giving students unfiltered access that allows for unscripted interactions and authentic engagement.
Politicians need not look far for examples, as academics demonstrate this practice in their classrooms every day. They engage students in open dialogues, giving them the opportunity to ask unexamined questions and receive candid answers.
Postsecondary institutions should help facilitate these connections between politicians and students, amplifying the voices of young voters in ways that center them. Simply giving politicians the chance to be visible on campus is not enough and will not matter beyond Election Day.
Students want to hear from and vote for leaders who legitimately have a connection to them and who will actively advocate for their cause.
Amanda Wilkerson is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida in the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education.
Shalander “Shelly” Samuels is an African-Caribbean assistant professor in the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts at Kean University.
This story about HBCU Students and Politics was produced by The Hechinger report, an independent, nonprofit news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Register for The Hechinger newsletter.
