Kansas City Hosts Interactive Debate Watch Party for Civic Engagement
Kansas City, Mo. — In an atmosphere buzzing with energy and excitement, the event space at the Keystone CoLab in the vibrant Crossroads District came alive on Tuesday night. College students and other residents gathered to watch the presidential debate, an engagement that was not just about the candidates but also about encouraging civic participation. This event was a part of a new initiative called “The Blaque Vote,” launched by the educational nonprofit Blaque KC.
Launching a New Initiative for Young Voters
The Blaque Vote program officially started in August, backed by a two-year grant from Health Forward. The mission? To foster a sense of civic responsibility and engagement among college students. This unique nine-month fellowship aims to provide resources, promote discussions, and encourage young people to dive deep into the political landscape.
Dr. Cokethea Hill, the founder and CEO of Blaque KC, expressed her vision for the initiative, saying, “We really wanted to create a safe space for college students to say, ‘This is what I heard, what does that mean?’ Or fact-checking on both sides.” This commitment to creating a welcoming environment allowed attendees to explore differing viewpoints and clarify confusing statements from the candidates.
Engaging Discussions and Diverse Opinions
As the debate unfolded, those in attendance engaged in lively conversations. Cameron Johnson, a senior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), reflected on the mixed emotions that surfaced during the debate. “Some things are funny; some things we laugh about,” he noted, adding, “Then, there’s other things that are said — we think about it; these are the people who may one day be governing us and making laws we live by every day.” His thoughts highlight the gravity of the choices being made by voters.
Similarly, Lincoln University graduate Kemiyah Sims shared her insights, revealing that although she wasn’t surprised by the overall tone of the debate, certain comments did catch her off guard. “When he was talking about immigrants eating pets, and when he said he has nothing to do with Project 2025 and has no idea or clue what’s going on with that — that’s just not true at all,” she asserted. This exchange of opinions illustrates the crucial conversations happening among young voters about the implications of candidates’ statements.
The Importance of Civic Engagement
Both Johnson and Sims believe that movements like Blaque KC are essential for informing the youth about the importance of getting involved. They emphasize that there should be more organizations genuinely invested in empowering young people to understand politics and participate actively in their communities.
The watch party also included moderated debriefs, led by Jackson County Prosecutor Candidate Melesa Johnson. These discussions aimed to break down the debate and encourage students to reflect on which issues mattered most to them and their communities.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Blaque Vote initiative hopes participants walked away from the evening not only with a deeper understanding of the debate but also with the tools and ambition needed to engage actively in future elections. Whether it means voting, attending local meetings, or discussing policies with friends, the ultimate goal is to inspire a generation that takes its civic duties seriously.
As students left the event, there was a palpable sense of excitement and a renewed commitment to being informed citizens. The Keystone CoLab event proved to be more than just a watch party; it was part of a larger movement to ensure that young voices are heard loud and clear when it comes to shaping their futures.
