The State of Young Black Voters

Mission:

An interactive, multi-panel conference that centers and elevates the voices of young Black New York voters as they navigate today’s political climate. We will explore what civic engagement & organizing looks like in our communities and highlight the power young black voters hold at all levels of civic power.

Info: Dive into the world behind your city’s pulse. Whether you’ve ever wondered who decides where parks go, how budgets get approved, or who signs off on your favorite festivals, this session decodes every key role that keeps the city running. You’ll see how each position shapes policy, manages resources, and tackles challenges from transportation to housing. No jargon—just real talk on real jobs

Info: Explore how Project 2025’s proposals—from overhauling federal financial aid to redefining campus civil rights—could transform every facet of college life. This session unpacks the 922-page “Mandate for Leadership” manual’s higher-ed chapter, examining its implications for students, faculty, and institutions alike.

Info: Complementary lunch

Info: Step into the digital arena where tomorrow’s leaders are born. In “NextGen Power: Political Influencer,” you’ll discover how a new wave of young change-makers harness social media, storytelling, and data to shape public discourse—and turn online buzz into offline ballots. This high-energy session blends real-world case studies with hands-on tactics so you can amplify your message, mobilize communities, and drive measurable civic impact.

Info: The goal of this session is to explore the powerful legacy—and uncertain future—of protest music as a cultural force for social change. From Billie Holiday’s haunting “Strange Fruit” to Marvin Gaye’s soulful “What’s Going On,” to Lauryn Hill’s critical “Mystery of Iniquity,” music has long been a vessel for resistance, storytelling, and collective healing. In our current digital age, where streaming platforms shape consumption and controversy is often curated or diluted, this panel will examine how and where the spirit of the protest song survives—and what might catalyze its revival.

Host or Publisher The Center for Law and Social Justice