The moment you become a student at Southern University and A&M College, you step through the doors of endless possibilities, equipped with the power to write your own chapter in history. Every person is born with the mental, physical and vocal ability to walk the paths they choose. Yet as a Jaguar, you are called to do more than follow a path. You are empowered to create one. Jaguars have the ability to break new ground and build what is needed, for change, for dreams, for legacy and for the culture.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27., Southern University and A&M College hosted its annual Second Line to the Polls event, encouraging students not only to vote, but also to educate and be educated. As busloads of students traveled from campus to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in downtown Baton Rouge, the mission became crystal clear, and the blue and gold spirit shined even brighter.
Southern University’s Student Government Association, the Human Jukebox, the NAACP, Collegiate 100, Omega Tau Pi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho came together in solidarity, leading the way as students marched from the museum to Baton Rouge City Hall to exercise their right to vote in true South Louisiana fashion.
Historically, a second line in Louisiana has served as a powerful expression of celebration, unity and community. To witness a second line is to witness resilience, joy, freedom and an electrifying spirit that brings people together through culture. Thanks to the leadership of SGA President Bryman Williams and Jaden York, this year’s event reflected those values and more.
Attorney Vernon Wesley Thomas, a Southern University Law Center graduate and current candidate for judge in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court, reflected on the significance of the event and the student turnout. “ You cut me, I bleed blue and gold. Seeing all the young people carry this energy and this will to come out and vote is amazing. I love seeing the youth like this; I love the unity…The youth is the future.” His remarks proved that this event carried out more than what was visible on the surface. It carried civil respect rooted not only in deep-rooted culture, but also in deep-rooted legacy and love.
Gallery • 5 Photos Rhyanna Burks Actress and producer, Meagan Good, supporting Southern University students and the city of Baton Rouge at the Secondline to the Polls event hosted by Jaden York, Southern alum and student organizations at Southern University on Tuesday October 27.
Actress Meagan Good Majors came to support the event out of pure love and a pure heart for the youthful drive and determination shown by Southern University students.
The Second Line to the Polls shined harmony through freedom, painted a picture of power and showcased the elegance of the youthful heart. Southern University used culture to call and command. Our culture is our color, our footsteps in history and our freedom brought to life.
Our vote is our voice, our future, our story and our rights. Southern University lit fire of them both, strengthening our reality, our identity, our legacy and our history.
Go Vote, Jags!
Based on reporting by Southern University – SouthernDIGEST.
