Press Releases
Jan 28, 2008
All media inquiries, please contact Edrea Davis by email, or (818)613-9521.
NCBCP Statement On The Record Turnout In South Carolina
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), released the following statement on the record turnout for the South Carolina primary:
Melanie L. Campbell, executive director and CEO of NCBCP states, “The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation would like to congratulate South Carolina Black Youth Vote! for playing a key role in the record turnout for the South Carolina primary on Saturday. Over the past few months, South Carolina Black Youth Vote!, led by Deven Anderson, worked diligently to educate young voters on college campuses in South Carolina on issues that impact their everyday lives.
“During a recent Black Youth Vote Justice Speak Out, featuring BET’s Jeff Johnson, nearly 400 students from South Carolina State, Voorhees, Claflin, and other colleges, pledged to take at least five people to the polls. The massive turnout in South Carolina reflects the commitment of the young voters of South Carolina, dispelling the idea that Black youth are apathetic. SC Black Youth Vote set a high standard for BYV! state affiliates to meet on Super Tuesday.”
Clayola Brown, president A. Philip Randolph Institute and NCBCP board member states, “NCBCP founded BYV! twelve years ago recognizing that Black youth under 35 represent nearly 50% of the Black American electorate, and would constitute a serious voting block if they understood the political process and were identified issues that impact their lives. Since it’s inception, BYV! has been instrumental in reversing the downward spiral among young voters and educating voters who were once disenfranchised and alienated from the electoral and legislative process. I commend the work of the executive director, Melanie L. Campbell, and all of the youth who have participated in the successful program. Youth empowerment is the key to impacting the many serious problems confronting the Black community. I am proud to say, Black Youth Vote.”
NOTE: Youth leaders are available for interview.
About BLACK YOUTH VOTE!
The youth division of NCBCP, Black Youth Vote! is a national grassroots coalition committed to increasing civic involvement among Black youth aged 18-35 by educating them about the political process. Based in DC, the NCBCP is a national, non-profit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to increasing African American participation in civil society. Initiatives include BYV!, Black Women's Roundtable, and the Unity Voter Empowerment Campaign. www.ncbcp.org
