COLLEGE DEMOCRATS OF NORTH CAROLINA HOST HBCU CONFERENCE

The College Democrats of North Carolina (CDNC) will hold the first-ever leadership conference for students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Saturday, March 26, in Greensboro. The event is expected to draw about 100 students from HBCUs across the state.

The conference will focus on engaging HBCU students in the political process, promoting political activity and leadership on campus and giving them the tools necessary to be effective leaders in their communities.

There will be over 20 prominent speakers and panelists, including US Congressman Mel Watt, NC Representatives Marcus Brandon and Alma Adams, NC Senator Gladys Robinson and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair David Parker.

Panel and training topics include “Civic Engagement and Issue Advocacy,” “Black Women and Politics,” “How to Run for Public Office” and “Campaign and Professional Involvement.”

The conference will be held at the Downtown Greensboro Marriott on North Greene Street. The opening session will begin at 9 a.m. and the closing dinner and presentations will begin at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will also receive free tours of the International Civil Rights Museum.

This is the first conference of its kind for the Democratic Party and its auxiliary College Democrats organization and will unite students from across North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs – more schools of this kind than any other state in the nation.

"HBCU students have a unique story and this HBCU Leadership Conference is here to ensure that we give them a voice and a seat at the table," said NC A&T student DJ McKelvey, who serves as CDNC HBCU coordinator.

CDNC President Tori Taylor said she respects the academic and political history of North Carolina’s HBCUs and is hoping this conference will serve as a catalyst to further unite the schools and the party that has the strongest history of supporting minority students.

"The College Democrats of North Carolina recognize the importance of engaging HBCU students,” she said. “We are taking the first step in hopefully a long, consistent line of communication between HBCU students and the Democratic Party."

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