Young Black voters, especially those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are preparing to make their voices heard in a moment of significant political importance. For many, including the leadership of the NAACP Texas Southern University (TSU) College Chapter, this election marks their first time participating in a presidential race, and the stakes feel personal.
The Defender had the opportunity to speak with three key members of the NAACP TSU College Chapter leadership team: MaKayla Caise, chapter president; Kesean Sanders, vice president; and JohnJuana Fisher, secretary. All three shared their thoughts on what this election means for them, what issues drive their passion to vote, and how they are working to engage fellow students at TSU.
For Caise, this election isn’t just about casting her first vote—it’s about protecting the future of her community. “I feel happy to be able to vote in this election, but I’m also worried,” she said. MaKayla’s concerns stem from the misinformation and lies she hears from some candidates, which she feels have harmed her community and peers.
The issues that weigh heavily on Caise’s mind include the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and the subsequent strict abortion bans in Texas.
“As a young Black woman, the state’s high maternal mortality rate, especially for Black women, is a significant concern. Reproductive health and women’s rights are issues that are close to me, and I worry about the future impact on women like me.”
Education is another issue that hits Caise close to home.
“It’s important that everyone has access to quality education,” she emphasized, “not just for career advancement but for the broader community’s future.”
Voter turnout among students attending HBCUs was at an all-time low during the divisive 2016 presidential contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
According to a Tufts University study, voter turnout at HBCUs fell by more than 10 percentage points in 2016 — from 50.5% to 39.9%.
While Black student voter turnout has historically lagged behind other groups, recent elections have shown a rise in Black youth participation. According to a Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement study at Tufts University, Black student voter turnout was 63% in 2020, lower than the 71% turnout among white students.
Sanders has a different perspective on what’s at stake in the election. Like Caise, Sanders sees misinformation as a critical barrier, but he’s particularly frustrated with the apathy he encounters among his peers.
“I hear a lot of young people say their vote doesn’t matter,” he shared. “They believe nothing will change, no matter who wins.”
Sanders is determined to change this mindset. His motivation to vote centers on systemic change, especially around issues of police reform and economic justice.
“I want to see policies that benefit our community, not just lip service. There’s a lot of frustration with how things are, which drives me to get more involved.”
As a leader, Sanders also ensures that fellow students understand the voting process. He’s actively organizing voter registration drives on campus and working to dispel myths that voting is too complicated or won’t make a difference.
For Fisher, voting for the first time is a powerful step in continuing the long struggle for civil rights.
“Black people fought for this right, and I see it as my duty to vote,” she said. “It’s not just about me; it’s about my community and making sure our voices are heard.”
She is particularly concerned with healthcare and criminal justice reform.
“Too many Black people are without access to adequate healthcare, and too many are caught up in a criminal justice system that doesn’t value their lives. These are issues that affect my family, my friends, and my community.”
Her approach to voter outreach focuses on education and empowerment.
“We’re creating social media campaigns to inform people about the candidates and where they can vote. We’re ensuring students know that they can still vote here even if they’re not from Houston.”
