For most students at Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, November 5th will stand as a defining moment of our generation. As the newest inductees into American democracy, many of us are excited to exercise our right to vote—a powerful right that was once denied to our ancestors. At Spelman and Morehouse, voting is more than a civic responsibility; it is a powerful expression of our voices and a continuation of a legacy left by those before us. After many marches, protests, and sacrifices, we are prepared to carry this legacy forward. The students of Spelman and Morehouse represent the next wave of leaders, the demographic behind change, and the rising generation of tomorrow, and this election is just the beginning of our influence. As we stand at the crossroads of this pivotal election, we are eager to cast our ballots and assert our voices.
To capture the essence of this historical moment, we conducted interviews with several Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at Spelman and Morehouse on behalf of the Spelman Blueprint to see how student-led organizations are engaging in the electoral process and fostering a campus-wide culture of civic responsibility.
This fall, RSOs across Spelman and Morehouse are standing at the forefront of history as they implement voter education initiatives into their agendas. Even organizations that typically focus on other causes have acknowledged the significance and urgency of this moment, using their platforms to uplift and empower their peers. As RSOs mobilize, they actively reaffirm our commitment to collective participation and civic engagement.
One common truth highlighted among the RSOs at Spelman and Morehouse is that the choices we make today will shape the future of our communities. With the stakes higher than ever, our initiatives serve as a vital reminder of the impact student mobilization has not only within the campus culture of Spelman and Morehouse but also within the larger electoral arena. Here’s how our RSOs are addressing the fundamental reality of democratic participation:
The Spelman “Trailblazing” Chapter of Collegiate 100 is motivated by their motto “What They See is What They’ll Be” to encourage students to vote. One of their greatest accomplishments this semester has been their Gen Z Voting Rally, a collaborative event with the National Council of 100 Black Women and the Morehouse Chapter of Collegiate 100. The event featured a dynamic panel of community leaders, legislators, and attorneys who shared their insights on the critical importance of voting engagement, alongside a Gen Z panel with current Spelman and Morehouse students discussing the pivotal role of college-aged voters in this upcoming election. Putting action behind their words, the event coordinators stationed the Fulton County Voter Registration Bus to register students on-site.
Jordan Greene, President of the Spelman College Chapter of Collegiate 100, reflects on the legacy of civic activism at Spelman and Morehouse. “Our vote will go towards the policies that we will live under. I often think about historical moments like the Atlanta Student Movement and how the influence of students from different schools coming together made a great change,” she said.
SpelHouse Votes, organized by Jaleia Latson ‘27 and Madison Corzine ‘27, is a non-partisan organization dedicated to mobilizing collegiate Atlanta by encouraging students from Spelman and Morehouse Colleges to engage in the voting process. Through initiatives like voter registration events on Brown Street and participation in the Gen Z Voting Rally, SpelHouse Votes aims to meet us where we are, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to register and make our voices heard in upcoming elections.
SpelHouse Votes Ambassador, Alex Alsobrooks-Laney ‘27, spoke to The Blueprint regarding her urgent call to action for this upcoming election. “You don’t need to be a part of a formal organization to enact change. Reach out to your regional campaign coordinators and find out ways you can canvas, volunteer at a polling place, or put together a carpool system for you and the girls in your dorm for election day,” she said.
The Spelman National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chapter focuses on civic engagement, voter participation, and public service. President Kayla Ary ‘25 and Vice President Cayla Ross ‘25 shared with The Blueprint, “To prepare for the upcoming election, our target is to educate the local community—the student body especially—on their rights as voters. Thus far, we have organized two key events aligned with this focus. ‘Rep Your State’ was a partnership with AUC State Clubs, aiming to educate students on major political details of this election season, including key dates and deadlines, issues affecting youth and people of color, and polling percentages. Our ‘Absentee Ballot 101’ event provided important information on submitting absentee ballots in Georgia.” They emphasized, “We know that the students that make up our student body here at Spelman serve as catalysts for change. They are committed to social justice, equality, and the empowerment of our local communities.”
The Morehouse NAACP President, Trysten Williams ‘25, highlighted our focus on informing our community. Williams stated, “Morehouse NAACP’s goal this semester is to ensure our community of scholars is educated and supplied with the resources to make informed decisions during this impactful election. We hope our efforts in engaging students and informing them on topics such as local politics and absentee balloting will prepare us to take action in this election because every vote counts!”
Spelmanites United for Justice (SUJ), an organization under the Spelman Social Justice Program, is committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities through education and service. With a focus on issues such as voter advocacy, the decriminalization of Black girls, and reproductive justice, SUJ works to promote awareness and drive action both at Spelman and beyond.
As part of their efforts for the upcoming election, SUJ has collaborated with the Spelman Voter Advocacy and Education Collective on a bi-weekly voter education tabling series in Upper Manley, the social hub of campus. Led by representatives of the Voter Advocacy and Education Collective, each event focuses on a different voting topic, from absentee voting to the history of Black voting rights, aiming to connect personal passions with the issues on the ballot. SUJ has also placed QR codes throughout academic buildings and bathrooms, outlining the steps for absentee voting, presidential issue stances, and voter rights and protections.
“Legislative efforts aimed at suppressing our votes and promoting voter disenfranchisement include restrictions on Spelman and Morehouse students using our school IDs to vote, promoting misinformation and intimidation tactics, and more. With this in mind, it is especially critical for us to continue to educate ourselves and others on the importance of civic engagement,” Wolfork and Brown say.
In conclusion, the growing enthusiasm for voter participation among students at Spelman and Morehouse highlights our dedication to upholding the legacy of those who came before us while simultaneously embarking on our own path as future leaders. The passion and dedication displayed by campus RSOs will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, not only in the immediate community but also in the broader landscape of democracy. With each event organized and each conversation sparked, we cultivate a culture of active participation that transcends the campus. Through collaborative initiatives and grassroots efforts, organizations at Spelman and Morehouse are inspiring our peers to take an active role in shaping our future.
It is clear that the commitment to civic engagement runs in the veins of SpelHouse.
