The millennial generation is the largest age group to emerge since the baby boomer generation, and as studies show in Florida, 18-to-34 year-olds are the largest population group.
According to the Census Bureau, the number of Floridians age 18-34 outnumber those over age 65. Millennials have very different expectations through government, including the media and are far more diverse and more liberal, according to numerous studies.
Bridge to Success Academy teacher, Victor Chrispin aims to inform his students on the importance of political involvement in all professions. Chrispin’s strategy is to bring awareness to his students of the power of millennials.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Chrispin had dreams of becoming involved in local politics since his youth.
“Growing up in Jacksonville, I have witnessed many local issues that need to be fixed. Precisely it’s why I have always set personal goals and responsibilities to achieve a result in becoming Jacksonville’s first Black Mayor,” said Chrispin.
Like Chrispin, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University who kicked off his career at an early age. At age 23, Gillum became the youngest individual to be elected as Tallahassee City Commissioner in 2003.
Politically, Gillum completed several projects and campaigns that focus on millennial growth and empowerment. Gillum opened Tallahassee’s first teen center, Palmer Munroe Center, which serves as a safe haven for many area youths.
Barbara Sanders, a Tallahassee native, remembers when the center was just built.
“It was an amazing addition to the community, especially for the youth,” said Sanders. “The center provided opportunities to get our young men and women off the streets.”
In Gillum’s journey to Governor, he is focusing on the many issues of the people. Gillum’s campaign mirrors a famous slogan “by the people, for the people.” Gillum is using real issues, real people and real time to capture his audience’s attention.
“His platform addresses issues here in our state,” said Chrispin. “Instead of focusing on what he wants to accomplish as governor, he has shifted focus to what our state needs. Not glittery generalities, but instead, techniques that will capture every Floridian’s heart.”
Show appearances and realism are great ways to interpersonally connect to millennials.
Gillum recently appeared on “The Breakfast Club,” an American syndicated radio show hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee and other public figures. The radio show covers a range of topics including honesty and humor and can be viewed digitally or heard on air. Current events and hot topics such as hip-hop and politics are standard fare on the show.