Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement: A Conversation Series
Overview
As many minds and hearts are focused on the upcoming presidential election, institutions of faith and academia have become an area of focus when it comes to educating voters – and potential voters – about the importance of civic engagement. This is especially true when it comes to Black voters.
A Statistic-Backed Truth
A recent report from the Pew Research Center highlights “Black eligible voters stand out for turnout rates that are higher than among Latino and Asian eligible voters”. The report further offers: Black Americans are projected to account for 14.0% of eligible voters in the U.S. in November. The percentage of eligible voters who are Black has risen slowly in the past two decades… Black voters could play an important role in determining the outcome of key 2024 elections, including for U.S. President. (Krogstad, J.M., and Moslimani, M., January 10, 2024).
The First Event: Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement
On Sunday afternoon, September 22nd, nearly 300 attendees filled the Costantino Room at the Fordham Law School’s Lincoln Center campus, with a few dozen attending virtually via Zoom webinar, as the University hosted the first event of a new series titled Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement Conversation Series. The event was free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of The Office of the President and Anthony Berry, a 2024 Fitzsimons Fellow.
Panelists
Included in the discussion were renowned faith and education leaders Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, a former Presidential Appointee, National Director of Faith Outreach for the Democratic National Committee, and Principal of The Raben Group, a top public affairs and consulting firm, and Rev. Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard, Executive Chief of Staff to the President of the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Quotes from the Panel
“I am thrilled to continue working with Fordham University, from which I earned a doctorate, on important conversations concerning faith and education, and to now extend that dialogue to include civic engagement during this critical time in our country’s history. It’s been the driving force of my work as both an educator and a faith leader,” says Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard.
Dr. Derrick Harkins continues, “I have had the opportunity as a faith leader to be on the inside of what it looks like to have productive, positive and informed civic engagement, both via the Obama-Biden and the Biden-Harris administrations. Inclusive civic engagement not only means progress, but it also means freedom. And that’s what we hope to impart in these conversations.”
BE: FREE Research Initiative
The discussion’s foundation was built upon the Black Education: Faith, Race and Educational Equity (BE: FREE) research initiative. Driven by Dr. Phillip A. Smith, Assistant Professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education, BE: FREE showcases innovative, culturally rich educational practices, leadership, and community engagement, towards sustained outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
Conclusion
The 2024 presidential, congressional, and local elections represent a historic season of decisions for our generation to be civically engaged. This is a moment with profound implications for all communities, and especially so for those from race-marginalized backgrounds. It’s more important than ever that these communities are energized and motivated to be involved in the process, not just for what’s happening this year but also going into the future. These conversations will be designed to continue to build on the excitement of going to the polls in November to vote for the next President of the United States but to also understand that we all have a role, no matter what political party you may affiliate with, if any political party at all.
FAQs
* When is the next event in this series?
The second event is scheduled for October 20th, at 2:00PM, at the Fordham Law School’s Lincoln Center campus.
* How can I attend the next event?
Advance registration will be required for both in-person and virtual attendance for October 20th and can be completed by visiting: http://bit.ly/3zzr4ko
* What is the topic of the next event?
The topic is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be an engaging discussion on civic engagement and its importance in the 2024 elections.