JCSU forum part of Democratic convention

Hollywood and Washington intersected at Johnson C. Smith University on Tuesday to encourage young adults to become politically active.

PHOTO/CALVIN FERGUSON

Actress Alfre Woodard (left) talks to reporters after announcing the UFuture summit Sept. 4 at Johnson C. Smith University during the Democratic National Convention. Organizers expect 450 students and professors from Charlotte-area colleges to participate in the interactive forum.

Political leaders joined Emmy Award-winner Alfre Woodard to announce an interactive forum titled “UFuture – A Summit for Innovative Young Thinkers” during the Democratic National Convention in September.

The forum, sponsored by JCSU and the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute, will be held on Sept. 4 at Biddle Hall. Woodard and actor Hill Harper will host.

Organizers expect 450 students and educators from surrounding colleges to interact with national, regional and local officials during the DNC.
Woodard highlighted people as the foundation of UFuture. She also said that instead of young people only using social media skills, she said they also need to stand up and speak up.

“Change ain’t easy. It ain’t magic,” she said. “We need your young hand, your feet to get the word out to young people that it’s not only a process, but it’s the way of life.”

Also on hand for the announcement were N.C. Sen. Malcolm Graham, U.S. Rep. Melvin Watt (D–N.C.) and JCSU President Ronald Carter.
 “Politics is a selfish sport – really politics is about self interest,” said Watt, who represents the 12th congressional district that includes Charlotte. He is also co-chair of the CBC Institute.

When it comes to young people getting involved in politics, he encouraged them to make sure they know the value of their self-interest.
“Think of this as a selfish thing,” Watt said. “What is your interest in politics?”

Woodard said it is the technological impact young people have through social media that makes them powerful citizens. Despite their power, she says “you have to show up for change.”

“The numbers are very low when you think of the people that are eligible to vote,” she said.
Watt shared the same sentiments.

“I always say, especially to young people, that democracy and participation in politics is not a one-time event,” he said. “Politics is a continuing process.”

JCSU student Ashleigh McNeill said the event taught her a lot about the need to be involved in politics.

“It was very informative, so it gave me a good outlook on what to expect and what I can do to help,” she said. “The most fun thing today was like just getting to celebrate and throw the confetti and like actually celebrate what’s about to happen.”

With a little more than 100 days before the DNC, anything could happen. But Woodard says she thinks if anything happens people should realize that it is time for Americans to come together.

“I think that every American – whether you’re Democrat, Republican, whether you’re a-political – has to protect the progress that we’ve made.”

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