Updated Story: 11/12/2018
Hattiesburg's top major universities 1st African American students will be 2 of the headline speakers at the 'Get Out and Vote' event held Monday, November 5, 2018 at Vernon Dahmer Park, 1000 Country Club Rd, in Hattiesburg, MS. Vermester Bester, the first African American student admitted to William Carey University, and Lt. Col. Raylawni Branch (Ret.), the first African American student admitted to the University of Southern Mississippi, will both speak during the free event to get the community excited to get out and vote.
The NAACP President Clarence Magee will also be a featured speaker along with The University of Southern Mississippi Student Democratic Party President, Brandon Rue, who is also expected to headline the event Saturday, in an effort to motivate young people, including college students, to get out and vote. USM's student Brandon Rue reportedly registered over 400 students to vote within one week just a few weeks ago before the voter's registration deadline.
The Get Out and Vote event is being held at the historic Vernon Dahmer Park, named after the iconic leader who was assassinated by the Klu Klux Klan after he because led a movement to get African Americans out to vote in the Pine Belt.
The Get Out and Vote event is a non-partisan event that invites the entire community to come together. Organizers say the event will consist of an iVote Rally, an opportunity to meet and greet candidates, a step show, guest speakers, food and much more. Organizers say the event will be kicked off with an iPray Challenge where the entire community comes together and say the Lord's Prayer in unity, regardless of party affiliation or political view.
Partnering organizations such as the American Red Cross will be on hand making sure every home has a smoke detector, in which case they do not, they will install them for free. The NAACP, another partnering organization, will be on hand as a part of the national mission, encouraging everyone to get out to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
The event which is anticipated to draw several 100's, will kick off at 4:00pm. Organizers are encouraging early arrival to avoid parking along the streets. The event is open and free to the public.
For more information about this event, you may email midtermsvote2018@gmail.com.
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