Courtesy Of Norfolk State University
Join actress, philanthropist, and activist Kerry Washington as she hosts a critical discussion among young scholars and the surrounding community on the topic of political engagement. The SHEROes of Democracy: A Discussion About Voting, Activism, & Democracy event will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 3:00 pm on the campus of Norfolk State University, and is sure to expect a packed house!
HBCUs like NSU have a longstanding tradition of modeling what it means to get and remain informed politically, how to create lasting change through activism, and so forth. This discussion is no exception to that standard.
Event attendees from the Norfolk student body and community will have the opportunity to hear a moving address from the President of Norfolk State and “shero” herself, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, followed by a panel discussion led by Washington.
Normally, celebrity guests are expected to come with prepared remarks in which they stick to a script of talking points, ones that keep things polite and civil. But Scandal’s lead actress isn’t participating to earn some sort of social clout.
Back in 2016, she told The View hosts, “I’m not a politically active actor. I’m a politically active American,” she said. “I participate in my democracy because that’s what democracy is. ‘We the People’ means we all have to show up and participate.”
She genuinely wants to engage with those concerned about the direction our democracy is headed and how this affects our communities both domestically and internationally. And she wants to make sure young people especially feel equipped to lead the way.
That’s why she’s partnering with members of NSU’s political science department and outside organizations including All Americans Vote, Young Invincibles, When We All Vote, and the Campus Vote Project to make this event one to remember. These are organizations invested in making the student vote count in 2019 and beyond!
The event concludes with a Q&A segment where attendees will be invited to speak on whatever topics move them, or to inquire about a particularly concerning point regarding voting rights, democracy, or political action. There are no limits to where THAT part of the evening might lead.
SHEROes of Democracy is free and open to the public, but as it will be held in the L. Douglas Wilder Center (700 Park Avenue) on NSU’s campus, space is limited. Click here to get your FREE ticket today and keep checking the event’s Facebook page ahead of time for updates!