The power of one vote

By Kyle Hobstetter on October 23, 2018

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, voters age 18 to 29 still had the lowest turnout compared with other age demographics during the 2016 Presidential Election.

Nykidra Robinson, founder and CEO of Black Girls Vote Inc., wants to see that statistic change. Her work has shown her that young people have the power and ability to change it. 

“Through Black Girls Vote, we want to get young people excited about voting,” Robinson said. “We want to start a movement, and most movements begin with young people.” 

On Wed., Oct. 24, Robinson will be on TU’s campus leading a conversation titled “The Power of One Vote.” The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the West Village Commons Ballrooms. The event is free and open to Towson University students, faculty and staff as well as the outside community.

The event is being sponsored by TU’s Center for Student Diversity and The Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility[BROKEN LINK]. The event was thought up by Anee Korme, associate director of Student Diversity & Development, after helping organize the Black Girls’ and Women’s Health Symposium and Workshop.

During the workshop Robinson participated in roundtable discussions on the importance of grass-roots voting registration. Her remarks emphasized the power of the voting bloc of black women in elections. Korme said she knew then that she had to bring Robinson to campus. 

“I was blown away by her story and her work,” Korme explained. “She was knowledgeable and really dynamic, and I knew that more TU students needed to hear her speak.” 

During the event, Robinson plans to lead a conversation about the power of voting and how students’ votes make a difference in elections.

“I’m hoping Towson University students walk away inspired and committed,” Robinson said. “We want them committed to not only voting themselves, but also taking someone with them to vote.” 

Learn more about Towson University's voter registration initiative — TU Votes 

The presentation will serve as a precursor to the 2018 Midterm Elections, with early voting in Maryland to begin on Thurs., Oct. 25.

To help celebrate the beginning of early voting, Robinson and Black Girls Vote will partner with Tumblr and TU to host “Café Takeover” on Oct. 25 inside the University Union.

“Café Takeover” will feature a DJ, giveaways and, most important, information for students about early voting and absentee ballots. And for students who bring absentee ballots, Black Girls Vote will take care of the postage. 

In addition to TU, “Café Takeover” will take place at Morgan State University, Bowie State University and local high schools.

Robinson, a Baltimore native, considers it “absolutely humbling” to be partnering not only with TU, which she says is one of the “best institutions in Maryland,” but also with an international social networking website such as Tumblr. 

“It’s been surreal that after I started Black Girls Vote three years ago based on incidents in my life, it’s now gotten me here,” she said.