BSM aims for activism

Profound and aggressive in his manner of speaking, the Rev. William Barber inspired students Thursday night during a speech aimed at increasing minority voter turnout at UNC.

The address was one of two events held Thursday to motivate students to take part in the democratic process.

Along with Barber's speech, the Black Student Movement held the last of four "Vote Early" marches, in which students gathered in the Pit and walked to Morehead Planetarium to cast their ballots ahead

of Tuesday's election.

The BSM political action committee and workers' rights group Southerners for Economic Justice, who sponsored the speech, said they are working together to build a new wave of student activism.

The BSM is bringing speakers to UNC's campus to talk about election issues pertinent to minority students.

"It's your time now, and your turn to let freedom ring," Barber said as he encouraged students to take advantage of their rights and vote.

He also told students to look for guidance from historical African-American leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and to change the world in which they live.

Natalie Murdock, co-chairwoman of the political action committee, said the speech was a success.

"This event is to help get students excited and let them know that they can also take part in issues," she said.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning, only 42 percent of eligible African-American citizens aged 18 to 24 turned up to vote in the 2000 presidential election.

This year, BSM officials said, they want to focus on educating student voters so they can cast an informed ballot. CIRCLE statistics show that 81 percent of young voters say they are paying close attention to this election - the largest number since 1992.

"It seems like students these days have a spark to get involved and have control of their destiny," said Julius West, co-chairman of the political action committee.

"I also think that George Bush is the most clear and present threat to motivate young people to make a change."

Susan Perry-Cole, chairwoman of the board of directors of Southerners for Economic Justice, said young people have the capability of making a difference.

"It is important to pass the torch on. For a long time, there was nothing to hope or believe in," she said. "It is now that young people are starting to realize that they are the hope for the future."

Officials said Thursday's events are only a few of many to come in the future.

"The direction in which we are heading is a very powerful one," said Erin Byrd, executive director of Southerners for Economic Justice.

"This is only the beginning."

Contact the University editor at udesk@unc.edu.