BC students use visit by President Trump, Democrat candidates to register voters, learn about issues
Carolina Panorama – From staff reports | COLUMBIA
In the midst of the national spotlight on Benedict College (BC) as the host site for the Presidential Criminal Justice Forum that was held in The Little Theatre on the campus, BC Tigers focused on voter awareness and encouraging students to hear all sides of the argument in order to make an informed decision. The theme #BCVOTES, #HBCUSVOTE was evident on the campus this past weekend.
“We are very much prepared to as a youth, as a culture and as a body of students to see what the other candidates have in store for America,” said BC SGA President, Jordyn Rice-Woodruff. “Here at Benedict College we don’t encourage students to go one way with just one candidate. We actually want them to get involved and actively learn about each candidate visiting Benedict College.”
The Benedict College Chapter of the NAACP hosted a week-long Voter Registration Drive and Awareness campaign around the #BCVOTES and #HBCUVOTES. Continuing the discussion on Criminal Justice, Warner Bros. provided a free screening of the film Just Mercy, scheduled to be released later this year. Students and faculty viewed the film at Columbia Cinema 7 and following the screening, engaged in an in-depth discussion about criminal justice and inequality. The panel was moderated by Curtis Wilson, Good Morning Columbia ABC Co-Anchor. The panelists included Benedict College President and CEO, Dr. Roslyn C. Artis; Asst. Professor Dr. Shaneen Curuju; Aaron Greene, attorney and social justice facilitator; and Lashawnda Woods-Roberts, attorney. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff worked behind the scenes as production assistants, ambassadors and delegates welcoming local and national media and dignitaries from around the country.