Sanders’ ‘Feel the Bern’ comes to Tougaloo

David Banner greets Tougaloo Student Government Association President Acasia Cooper.

By Diamond Williams 

Special to The Mississippi Link

David Banner greets Tougaloo Student Government Association President Acasia Cooper.
David Banner greets Tougaloo Student Government Association President Acasia Cooper.

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sander’s HBCU tour, Feel the Bern, made a stop at Tougaloo College Jan. 28, for a campaign rally.

The rally was held to discuss important issues like income equality, tuition-free public colleges and universities, and racial justice. The event also included college rituals such as the student spirit chants that engaged rally officials and students, dancing and pan-hellic recognition.

Campaign and voting information was shared by Danny D. Glover, outreach campaign director; South Carolina Rep. Justin Bamberg; Keelan Sanders, a Mississippi Democratic National Committee member and Tougaloo alumnus; and David Banner, recording artist and Jackson native.

A personal videotaped message from Sanders was shown in his absence.

“When we want something to happen, we can make it happen,” said Bamberg, who expressed his belief in everything Sanders stands for and Sanders’ ability to keep moving the country forward. He also confirmed his switch from the Clinton campaign by saying, “Why not the Clinton machine? The thing about machines, they too break down.”

During the event, college students and young adults were asked to get out and exercise their right to vote during this election season.

“When you make that trip to the poll this year, take 10 people or call 10 people to go vote with you,” said Sanders.

Banner took a more home-based approach saying, “I have not endorsed Bernie Sanders yet, but I will endorse anyone who takes an interest in my people.” He then began addressing issues in the African-American community such as a lack of education, voting and awareness of the issues critical in the country today.

“We are more interested in playing than the things that will change our lives,” he said.

“Some students and young adults don’t even know who’s running for president,” said Joshua Colemon, a sophomore mass communication and business major.

Banner emphasized getting informed and using that information to inform others. “Regardless of who you decide to support, you must figure out what you want from an agenda and hold them accountable,” Banner said.

Whether staying informed about candidates or aware of the issues in the community, the conference centrally advised students to remain politically active. “Output of understandable and reliable information is the best start to getting young adults interested in political issues,” said Kiera Bronson, a senior mass communication major.

“Don’t listen to those who want to poison the minds of the public,” Bamberg said to the young voters. “Keep an open mind, and give Bernie Sanders a chance.”

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders delivers videotaped message on  screen.
Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders delivers videotaped message on screen.
Justin Bamberg  begins his speech.
Justin Bamberg begins his speech.

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