American Baptist College President, Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., talked about the importance of voting. At a noon news conference under the signature ARCH on the ABC Campus, President Harris said, “We must use our power to vote and let our voices be heard. Voting is the only non-violent way to protest and be on equal footing.”
The news conference was part of the American Baptist College Voter Registration Rally, held Friday, Oct. 2,from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on the campus. The deadline to register to vote in the November election is Monday, October 5. Therefore, if you have not registered the time is now.
Others participating in the news conference were Mrs. Phyllis Hildreth, vice president for Institutional Strategy and Academics, Rev. Davie Tucker, pastor of Beech Creek M. B. Church and a commissioner with the Human Relations Commission, Attorney Richard Jackson, executive vice president of ABC, Ms. Shondria Sullivan of Black Voters matter and two ABC students, who will be voting for the first time, and also voting absentee, Mondale Smiley and Mondai Smiley.
“Voting is for US, about US, to help US,” said Attorney Jackson. Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C. T. Vivian, both graduates of ABC and spent their lives fighting for equal rights for all, especially the right to vote. They both recently passed on July 17, 2020. “It was their life’s work, and we must continue the struggle.” stated President Harris.
The College provided walk-up and drive-thru registration and information on expungement services. In partnership with Black Voters Matter, t-shirts and other paraphernalia were provided to individuals who came to register.