Andrea King Addresses the Importance of Voting

Students Learn Why Their Vote Matters

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, [email protected], 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) - Andrea King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. III, spoke to a packed lecture hall of 150 students last Thursday to emphasize the importance of registering to vote and voting in the upcoming election.

She also provided the audience with historical context citing the attack on the Edmonds Pettus Bridge, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the deaths of Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King informed the audience about the sacrifices made by students at the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s when they were sprayed with fire hoses, attacked by dogs and beaten with clubs by police officers as they worked to register voters.

"Everyone believes we have seen enough chaos in the country," said King. "Students need to really understand how powerful they are and how critical they are to not only create a better world for all of us, but certainly make sure Dr. King's dream of a beloved community becomes a reality."

"We're both honored and privileged to have Andrea King attend an election event at the university," said Bowie State President Aminta Breaux. "She carries the legacy of Dr. King we want students to know about."

King is the President of the Drum Major Institute (DMI), a non-profit social justice organization that leads through collaboration by convening leaders and organizations to identify common-sense solutions to society's problems. The DMI encourages people to take action to promote peace, justice and equity for all.

Bowie State has scheduled a series of voter registration and education initiatives as the November 5 election approaches to ensure all students understand the importance of exercising their right to vote.

Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Congressman Steny Hoyer and Governor Wes Moore also highlighted the history behind voting and civil rights in this country and encouraged students to register and vote.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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