As the race for the 2024 Presidential election intensifies, it is crucial that eligible youth keep up with candidates and their policies.

Attending school in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard University students should be cognizant of the candidates that could change their lives if elected into office. Are HU students paying attention to what is going on in the political spectrum?

“Just talking to people who went to Howard in the 80s and 90s, there seemed to be a lot more political activism by the students. They used to take buses down south to work in campaigns,” said Professor Elsie Scott, former President of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and founding director of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center.  

The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center’s goal is to research the activities of African Americans in U.S. politics and foreign policy. Although there may have been more hands-on activism in the past, Howard students still show their passion for politics in various ways. 

“Last year during the midterm election, we had more engagement by students than I had ever seen before, so I was really pleased with that,” Scott shared.

Why should Howard students stay up to date with the Presidential election? The answer is simple: We are Black people living in the United States of America. 

With the history of marginalized groups being denied the right to have political representation in this country, Scott suggests staying involved. 

“Even after the election, we should stay engaged so that you can look out for your future as well as your children’s future in this country,” she concluded.