The panel discussion at the University of Virginia, hosted by the Center for Politics, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and Students for Equity and Reform, focused on the importance of political engagement among African American and minority students. Titled The Power of Your Vote, the event featured three Democratic legislators: State Senator Aaron Rouse, State Delegate Katrina Callsen, and State Delegate Rae Cousins. These politicians, all of minority backgrounds, addressed pressing issues facing Charlottesville and Virginia, such as affordable housing, reproductive rights, gun violence, and political partisanship.
Moderated by Gregory Perryman, a third-year College student, the event aimed to encourage greater political participation. Each panelist shared their personal journey to politics, with Callsen discussing her background as a Charlottesville native and lawyer, Rouse reflecting on his NFL career and political path, and Cousins recounting her political involvement in Richmond and with former President Obama’s campaigns.
On affordable housing, all three legislators expressed concern about the housing crisis in Virginia. Callsen highlighted the challenges tenants face compared to landlords, while Cousins emphasized the need for stronger funding for affordable housing initiatives. They discussed the obstacles posed by Governor Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes of key housing bills. Despite these difficulties, the panelists noted the spirit of bipartisanship in the legislature.
The conversation also touched on voter turnout, particularly among minority communities, and abortion rights. The legislators voiced their support for a woman’s right to choose and their efforts to enshrine abortion access in the Virginia Constitution. However, they noted that a constitutional amendment vote on this issue would not take place until 2026, stressing the importance of voter engagement in both the 2024 and 2026 elections.
During the audience Q&A, Rouse shared a personal story about how his father’s incarceration motivated him to succeed and give back to others, underscoring the importance of resilience and mentorship for the next generation. The panel ended with a reminder of the upcoming voter registration deadline and the significance of voting in both state and local elections.