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The Andrew Goodman Foundation held its first annual “Take Your Power Back Weekend” on August 1-2, 2020. The two-day virtual video conference featured musicians, artists, athletes, actors, elected officials, partners, our very own Andrew Goodman Ambassadors, and other influential voices to equip students with the necessary tools to go out and take their power back ahead of the upcoming 2020 Presidential Election. The event was divided into four sessions, each focused on a different theme that offered participants their choice of multiple breakouts. Segments featured in Session 2, “Take Back Your Moment,” focused on using the cultural moment to draw attention to the important issues and get people talking. Starting the conversation is only the beginning! Discussion leads to action, and action leads to change. Check out the following segments from Session 2 to learn more about how you can organize in your communities, utilize technology to promote your message, and advocate using creative pathways like music and art!

Watch this clip to hear from Congresswoman Veronica Escobar as she gives an important message to Hispanic voters! Delivering her message in Spanish in front of the Capitol building, she speaks passionately about registering to vote and the power that we have to make a change.

Maria Elena Garcia from the nonprofit Vote Run Lead moderated a panel with Reyma McCoy McDeid, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living; Bushra Amiwala, activist and elected official; and Mary-Pat Hector, Coordinator of the GA Black Youth Vote. They discuss how you can participate in your communities and actions you can take beyond the polls!

Andrew Goodman Ambassador at the University of Utah, Sierra Marty, spoke to climate change activist from the Hip Hop Caucus, Reverend Yearwood, and musicians, Antonique Smith and Jon Batiste, about the influential power of music and movies to move culture. Remembering all those who came before him who fought for the Voting Rights Act, Reverend Yearwood talked about his experience bringing together voting rights and hip hop to create a movement. Check out the clip to learn more about how to use your interests, hobbies, and talent to make a difference!

In this last clip from Session 2, Andrew Goodman Alumna and recent graduate of Towson University, Sophie Bertrand, engaged in a conversation with Nicole Tinson, Founder & CEO of HBCU 20×20, and Mandana Dayani, Co-founder of I am a voter. about their involvement in digital political activism. They touched on ways you can use your personal experiences to connect to others! Messaging related to identity, empowerment, and companionship is a powerful force when fighting for change. 

Session 2 of Take Your Power Back Weekend showed us just how impactful our voices can be! Young voters have the power to expand their reach and work in their communities, at home, at their schools, and beyond. This current moment in our cultural and political context is all the more reason to get involved and stay informed! Through Take Your Power Back Weekend, we inspired, educated, and empowered!

To play back all of Take Your Power Back Weekend, watch our playlist.

 About The Author

Nicole Jefferson is The Andrew Goodman Foundation’s Communications Intern and a student at Yale College where she is majoring in Political Science.