Students encouraged to vote during Hip-Hop Text-A-Thon

Photo Jazmine Moering

Cameron Adams
Editor-In-Chief

The gubernatorial elections are approaching for Mississippi residents and Jackson State University is encouraging students to use their voices…and texts.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25th, 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) hosted a “Hip Hop Text-A-Thon” for JSU students at the Mississippi e-Center. The event was made to express the importance of voting to college students, with the help of some familiar faces. 

The SPLC partnered with several artists from record labels, HIP Nation and NLess Entertainment to promote the upcoming election. 

Rappers such as Big 30, Dee Mula, Big Homiie G, and other artists, encouraged students to use their voices and vote.

Big 30, a popular rapper from Memphis Tenn., emphasized the importance of voting to all Jackson State students that were in attendance. 

“We’re around the same age, if not older. Y’all know how important voting is,” stated Big 30. “Know that this is how we live, how our children gotta live…You have to go vote.”

Students who participated in the Text-a-Thon had the opportunity to play a huge role in the upcoming election. 

Participants received a link on their mobile devices and sent mass text messages to random numbers encouraging them to go out and vote. 

Britney Taplin, a senior marketing major from Byram, Miss., believes that the event was beneficial for the student body who attended the event.

“This was a fun and unique event to get students excited about voting,” said Taplin. “I think bringing out rappers who college students listen to on a regular basis, definitely helps them understand the importance of voting.” 

Kennadie Boykin, a senior political science major and president of JSU Votes, also discussed the impact celebrities have on students’ decisions. 

“A lot of times with younger students, you feel like all these adults are just telling you what to do so it goes in one ear and out the other,” Boykin stated. 

Boykin explained that people who students regularly see on their favorite social media and music videos are more likely to gain their approval. 

“When you get someone who you like, relate to, or admire, you’re more likely to listen to their message, even though it’s the same thing,” said Boykin.

The gubernatorial election takes place next week and students were encouraged to raise their voices, whether they are Jackson residents or not. 

Boykin believes that JSU students should vote regardless of where you are from. 

“You stay here at the end of the day. You have to drive to campus. You have to shower with brown water,” said Boykin. “You’re upset about these things and the only way you can change them is if you go out here and vote.”

Incumbent Gov. Tate Reeves and Brandon Presley are running in the general election for on Nov. 7, 2023.

JSU students are encouraged to participate in the election to make their voices heard, not only in the city of Jackson, but also across the state.