OVER 300 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CONVENE AT ART MUSEUM FOR YOUTH VOTER EVENT

Philadelphia - Today, students from fifteen Philadelphia public high schools traveled to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to prepare to become engaged citizens and informed voters. Students enjoyed music, artwork, and refreshments while learning about local government and the importance of voting. Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, who organized the third annual event, encouraged students to take an active role in creating the change they hope to see in Philadelphia.

"If every single young person in this city voted, I can guarantee you that our city would look very different than it does now," said Minority Leader Kendra Brooks (City Councilmember At-Large). "I need you to get involved, because I can't govern without your ideas, your voices, and your vision for how our city could be different."

During the event, students voiced their top concerns, including high rent, low wages, gentrification, substance abuse, and the proposed arena near Chinatown. PA Youth Vote was on site to register students to vote or become poll workers, and the City Commissioners set up voting machines to allow students to practice voting. At tables staffed by local organizations, students learned about free resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and media production classes with WHYY.

"There is power in your vote, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you," said Maurice Mitchell, a national leader in the movement for racial and economic justice. "All of the issues that you care about - gentrification, substance abuse, rent - are on the ballot."

Makayla Coleman, a recent graduate of Philadelphia public schools, helped to plan the event and emphasized the importance of this year's presidential election. "Since 2021, the number of books banned or challenged in the United States has grown tremendously, with most of the targeted books having themes related to race, gender, and sexuality," she said. "This election is unlike any election that we've previously had. Now we're voting for our freedom to learn."

Students from the following Philadelphia public schools attended the event:

• Martin Luther King Jr High School
• South Philadelphia High School
• Frankford High School
• West Philadelphia High School
• Parkway Northwest High School
• Bartram High School
• Strawberry Mansion High School
• Academy at Palumbo
• Science Leadership Academy - Center City
• Benjamin Franklin High School
• Franklin Learning Center
• Fels High School
• Olney High School
• Central High School
• Roxborough High School

##