In celebration of Women’s History Month, Florida A&M University hosted a virtual discussion on Wednesday. Called “Sound the Alarm: Her Voice. Her Vote,” it called for an open conversation surrounding women’s voting rights and voting protocols.
The meeting was moderated by Carmen Cummings-Martin, an alumna of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and & Graphic Communication, and an ambassador serving as the assistant vice president of University Engagement and Alumni Affairs.
First Lady Sharon Robinson called for a timely discussion of African American voting activists: Monique Duncan-Jones; outreach and early voting manager of Leon County Supervisor of Voting Elections, and Cecile Scoons, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, were also on hand.
Robinson reflected on the history of Black women and the importance of voting.
“In my lifetime, I’ve been able to hear of women going into space. Seeing the first African American astronaut Mae Jemison. Then it was even more inspiring seeing our vice president now sitting in the seat that can be pivotal for the election process. It’s good and I think we have a lot of work to do,” Robinson said.
After Robinson’s remarks, the esteemed panel of women began to discuss the importance of voting.
Duncan-Jones said it is imperative that women use their voices in the community to vote.
“Leaders and chapters of organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, and sorority and fraternity organizations have access and have power to reach our office and local government offices come to us and verify the information and take it back to their friends, family and neighbors,” she said.
“However, we do need one message and one voice. We wish to do our very best to be that voice that can be heard through the variation of messaging that are coming with good intentions and some with bad intentions from various groups. We wish to stand out as your trusted source for election and voter information,” Duncan-Jones added.
Scoons, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, talked about the role of her organization in the community.
“In this space right now in the state of Florida, people are becoming more aware that the rights and opportunities of voting are being taken away. We get a lot of requests for information; we cover foundational rights for citizens. Voting is our main mission,” she said.
As the event drew to a close, Robinson thanked the panel for their support and praised them for educating the community about voting.
If you missed the Women’s History Month virtual meeting, visit Florida A&M’s Facebook page to watch the recording.