The LSU Black Student Union hosted “Fact or Fiction” on Oct. 14, with the goal of educating Black students on voting history and increasing awareness of the importance of voting.
The event was held to engage with Black students while informing them on important facts on African-American history and politics, breaking it down to a point where those who may not understand political verbiage can digest.
“Something we talk about a lot in our organization is how to make voter information and election information and overall civic information more accessible,” said BSU political outreach chair and political science senior Lailah Williams. “We want to find a way to connect with our peers so they are getting the information they need.”
All information presented was sourced from the NAACP website and political journals to ensure that students were immersed in fact. Most facts were not ones traditionally taught in school.
For example, students were educated on Hiram Revels, the first African-American U.S. senator in history. Belonging to the Republican Party, students were also taught a mini lesson on how the Democratic and Republican parties gradually switched ideologies after the Great Depression.
Many felt more prepared to handle the election with a better sense of understanding after leaving the session. After discussing that most African-Americans did not get the right to vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, students at the event were excited about exercising their right to vote.
“The election is coming up and the same thing is happening like with Joe Biden versus Trump,” said psychology junior Trinity Nathan. “And I kind of feel like we don’t need to keep making the same mistakes over and over again.”
Early voting in Louisiana will begin Oct. 18 and last until Oct. 29, excluding Sundays. Louisiana residents can learn more about how to cast their vote at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website, while out-of-state students should check the website of their respective secretary of state.
“Elections matter. Voting matters. Your vote matters no matter where you are from,” Williams said.
