Believe it or not, this year's mid-term election is just as important as 2008.
Why?
Remember all the excitement and euphoria of the elections that year?
Students flocked to the polls in record numbers. Why should this year be any different?
In spite of what many students may think, the president is not as important as the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Congress has the power to override many of the president's decisions.
In these upcoming elections, support your representatives by letting your voice be heard once again.
Many students have been disillusioned because of the Great Recession, and wondering if a job or career will be available to them or their peers after graduation.
Have you been keeping up to date with the rhetoric that candidates are promoting?
It is very important for us to be involved because we are leaders ourselves. We should not depend on the president to fix all of our problems.
Many students feel that these days marching and protesting are not necessary to get a point across.
But why wouldn't we?
Marching was effective during the days of King, Lowry, Rustin, Abernathy, Parks, Malcolm X and all the rest. They marched and fought so that NCCU students could have the right to vote.
Are we tarnishing their legacies by not going to the polls?
Are you going to waive your 15th amendment right?
The civil rights movement started in the South and spread through college campuses all over the nation.
You hear other people talking about taking back the country.
Why don't NCCU students talk about taking back the nation? Are we becoming too complacent in letting people make decisions for us?
Are we going to let people say we only voted in 2008 because a black man was running for office?
Do you know that there's only one black United States Senator?
Do you know that there are only a handful of minorities in the House?
What are you going to do about it?
It's a shame we will run out and vote for America's Next Best Dance Crew or an American Idol and will not vote for a senator.
We should be more worried about keeping up with politics than keeping up with the Kardashians.
Justice isn't ever won in one battle. Working toward change and progress is an ongoing thing.
For many NCCU students, 2008 was the first election they participated in. During the 2008 elections, 64 percent of Americans 18-24 were first-time voters.
Right now, you may not be directly affected by laws concerning immigration, health care, financial reform, and gays in the military, but as a member of a society, you have a responsibility.
The laws that get brought up and passed through Congress are our laws and these are our officials.
The people we put in power will be there for a while, so let's make sure we take responsibility of our future and elect the right ones.
Keep the spirit of change!
Artemesia Stanberry, assistant professor of political science said it best: "Blog, tweet, vote."
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now