Uhuru na umoja monday, September 25, 2019 an ethnic supplement to the collegian
The Black Student voice of California State University, Fresno, since 1969
Photo Credit: D’Aungillique Jackson
Fresno State’s NAACP Gets Assembly Bill 963 Passed By T.J. Taylor
On August 27th, 2019, the pioneering National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 17Ai Unit embarked on a historical journey to the California State Capitol Building to advocate and lobby for the passing of Assembly Bill 963. This nonpartisan bill is also referred to as the Student Civic and Empowerment Act. Their efforts did not go unnoticed as AB-963 was passed by the Committee with 67 ayes, or yesses out of 79 votes. At this moment, Assembly Bill 963 is on the governor’s desk. This means with the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom, this bill will become law. If the governor vetoes the bill, the veto can be overridden with two-thirds of the house vote. If Assembly Bill 963 becomes law, this would establish the Student Civic and Empowerment Program which would require all public college campuses to “consult with the Secretary of State to distribute campus-wide emails to all students with specified voting and election related dates and information, and to include these dates on all print and online academic calendars, post on campus social media to remind students of voter-related dates and information, and develop a Civic and Voter Empowerment Action Plan specific to their campus.” This bill will take effect in community colleges, California State Universities, and UCs (University of California schools).
NAACP 17Ai general member, Clarence Obichere voiced his appreciation of the bill stating that, “some college students are discouraged to vote due to lack of information.” This bill will truly empower students and can positively affect the outcome of future elections. Since the Fresno State chapter of NAACP sponsored the bill, Vice President D’Aungillique Jackson represented the unit during the press conference. A noteworthy excerpt of her speech states, “It is only a matter of time before my generation floods the job market, political arenas, and other sectors of society that require a civically engaged citizen with a tendency to vote. And in knowing that, it behooves the lawmakers of our beautiful state to set standards that ensure our generation, and those that follow, are enthusiastic and prepared to complete their civic duty”. If you are interested in joining the NAACP and building political power, contact their email, naacp@mail.fresnostate.edu and follow them on Instagram @fresnostatenaacp.