On a crisp October morning, at Columbia Point, Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, introduced, Kash Cannon, Director of Community Engagement for the World Champion Celtics to a group of nearly 100 Boston-area high schoolers.

In an effort to inspire Voter Registration, joining the two power players on stage motivational speakers Noorya Hyatt, Senior Researcher of Civic Learning at Tufts University, Allison Feaster, V.P. of Player Development for the Boston Celtics, and Tanisha Sullivan, President of Boston’s NAACP explained to the kids how, voting initiatives are critical to ensuring civic representation.  With Josie Colon moderating, the goal was to inspire young adults to become community activists and help “Get Out the Vote“.  Start a voting drive, take people to the polls, and make sure you’re registered to vote are three small ways to make big changes in your neighborhood.

Underscoring the #power-of-participation the panelist explained how civic engagement becomes a pattern for life. Community involvement can initially mean working to improve a gym, find funding for a basketball court or supporting a campaign for student-loan forgiveness. The advisors told the kids, activism shapes local and national governmental platforms that matter most to communities, and the kids responded!

Eager to hear specifics, audience members asked how to shape curriculums, and advocate for classes to matches their interests. Allison Feaster told a young woman ‘kids need to believe they have the power to change their culture by working with other people who share the same beliefs.’ For her, it’s a process of petitioning organizations and representatives of local government for more inclusive representation.

L-R Allison Feaster, V.P of Player Development Boston Celtics and Tanisha Sullivan Boston President NAACP ( 10/9/2024)

Tanisha Sullivan said post-covid school attendance has dropped. She suggested black and brown kids get back to class and become fire-starters for democracy. She advocates students help teachers identify the issues of greatest relevance within their neighborhoods.

L-R: Josie Colon ‘Get Out the Vote’ Moderator and Noorya Hayat, Senior Researcher, Tufts Center for Civic Learning

Civic engagement is the path towards success said Noorya Hayat of Tufts University. Obstacles and challenges are part of life but resources and support are available to be helpful if you reach-out to programs designed to recognize the #POWER OF PARTICIPATION.

L-R: Tanisha Sullivan, Boston President, NAACP,Alan Price, Director Presidential JFK Library and Museum, Josie Colon Moderator, Noorya Hyatt, Senior Researcher Tufts Center for Info on Civic Learning, Allison Feaster, V.P. of Player Development Boston Celtics, Kash Cannon, Director of Community Engagement Boston Celtics. ( October 9, 2024)


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