African American Student Services at The University of New Mexico hosts a live discussion on Instagram Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. to encourage Black students to vote. The guest speaker is former New Mexico State Treasurer James B. Lewis.
The goal of the discussion is to educate students on what it means when candidates, news outlets, and others refer to "the Black vote," said AASS Director Brandi Stone.
“This conversation will touch on why voting is critical in our community, what things young Black voters should consider when doing their research, the impact of voting at both the national and local level, as well as address any student questions that arise during the presentation,” she noted.
AASS is collaborating with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the oldest Black Greek fraternity on the UNM campus. All of the D9 organizations have deep roots in civic organizing and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Nu Rho chapter assisted in bringing several Black organizations across the state together to establish the New Mexico Black Voter Collaborative.
“We talked about co-hosting an event that ensured students had the information they needed to vote and knew that community members are here supporting them through the process,” Stone said.
Lewis, who has a long record of service to the community and state, is a UNM alum and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He will join the conversation along with UNM student Anthony Williams, who is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Williams and Lewis will answer questions students have sent to the AASS pertaining to the Black vote and voting in general in this live Instagram conversation.