Photo: Michaya Draper
Joliyah Daughtry
Staff Writer
Brandon Presley, the democratic candidate for Mississippi governor, stopped at Jackson State University to encourage students to register and vote for the upcoming election.
JSU declared Sept. 19 as Constitution Day and to celebrate, held an event titled ‘Party on the Plaza’ which led to a host of candidates and voting organizations to participate and help students get registered.
“It’s important for me to be here on the campus of Jackson State University, one of our HBCUs in Mississippi. And I wanted to be here to encourage students to get to be a part of this campaign, a part of this process,” said Presley.
Presley, a, Amory, Miss. native, began his service in the town of Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, being elected as mayor at the age of 23. This marked history as Presley became one of the youngest mayors in Mississippi history.
Kennadie Boykin, a senior political science major and president of JSU Votes, stated how relieved she was to see students participating in the voter registration drive.
“It actually feels amazing and it gives me a lot of hope that things can actually be changed,” said Boykin. “I definitely appreciate the parties from both sides coming out because I feel like it gives a complete spectrum of everything that is going on. Boykin added, “So you as the voter can register to vote, get to know your candidates and decide because we’re trying to be nonpartisan and make sure that you have options on both sides. So, we just really want to make sure that you are informed and can make the best decision,” Boykin stated.
Gov. Tate Reeves was also invited to attend this event, however declined due to prior obligations.
Presley also spoke to students about how important it is to vote in the upcoming election, urging students not to complain about elated officials if they did not take the time to vote.
Presley also took jabs at Gov. Reeves for not showing up for the event drive at JSU, a predominantly black institution.
“Well, it’s no surprise that he won’t come out of the governor’s mansion to agree to a debate and still does agree to debates. Nobody has seen him on the campaign trail so it’s no surprise that he doesn’t show up for Jackson State University,” Presley said. We’re a state that’s almost 40 percent black. And to run for governor and ignore 40 percent of our population, not only is immoral at all standpoints, but I think it puts us economically behind in Mississippi.”
Though Presley is vying to be the next governor of Mississippi, his main motive for his visit is to encourage everyone, especially young adults, to vote. He also wants the next generation to get involved in government, elections, and politics in Mississippi. “I’ve said it today, if you don’t vote, don’t gripe,” said Presley.
Though students showed up to support Presley and his campaign, many students posed the question, “How will you help students, especially HBCU students, if elected governor.”
Presley responded, “I think we’ve got to elevate HBCUs and funding.
Underfunding is an understatement as to how HBCUs have been treated in the past. Jackson State University in particular should be looked upon with the potential of being one of our greatest urban universities. Not just in Mississippi, but in this nation. It’s an economic development room for the city of Jackson, but it’s also the right thing to do to invest in our HBCUs.”
The general elections in Mississippi will be held on Nov. 7.
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