NextGen America and NAACP Kick-off Series of Get out the Vote Events to Energize and Turnout Young Men Before Election Day

Washington, D.C. – This week NextGen America and NAACP begin a series of get-out-the-vote events to energize, mobilize, and turn out young Black men in key states Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The events will be held in the Black community to stimulate organic conversations about the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

NextGen America is collaborating with NAACP to organize the events in partnership with additional media and advocacy organizations, including the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, BET cable network, Communications Workers of America, and SEIU. The events will feature conversations with celebrities, athletes, and leaders across culture and community. Speakers include media personality Charlamagne tha God, former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin, and NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, among others.

Events include:

Wednesday, October 30

‘Bourbon & Ballots’ in Las Vegas, Nevada

Saturday, November 2

‘Produce the Vote’ in Charlotte, North Carolina

Monday, November 4

‘Barbershop to the Ballot’ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“The most influential conversations happen in our own communities through trusted voices, and we’re excited to partner with the NAACP on a series of youth-vote mobilization events across the country that tap into this belief,” said Harry Johnson II, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at NextGen America. “With a little more than a week until Election Day, it’s crucial that we energize and empower young people to show up and make their voices heard. Young people have the power to elect leaders who will fight for our rights, protect our freedoms, and foster economic prosperity – the time to show up is now and we’re proud to get out the vote in our communities with our coalition partners.”

“Black voters show up at the polls for those who show up for them,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “In fact, Black men in particular are the second most reliable voting bloc in this country, right behind Black women. From our work in the community, we know that when we speak to young Black men about the issues they care about, in a way that resonates with them, they’re more likely to stay engaged and to mobilize others. That’s where real change happens—when our community is not only informed but inspired to act. And that’s exactly what we seek to do through these events.”

These events are part of the $20 million nationwide effort by the NAACP to mobilize 14.5 million Black voters and to combat disinformation and voter suppression tactics. It is one of the most expansive civic engagement programs ever led by a national civil rights organization. For more information or to report voting issues, visit naacp.org/vote.

As Election Day nears, NextGen America and partners are committed to driving youth turnout in this cycle and beyond. In 2020, NextGen mobilized 1 in every 9 young voters who cast a ballot, leading to the largest youth voter turnout in history. Ahead of this year’s election, NextGen is urging young people to elect leaders who will combat the climate crisis, fight for basic civil liberties like the right to abortion access and care, and create an economy that works for all.

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About NextGen America

NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people through voter education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Since 2013, NextGen America has registered more than 1.5 million young voters and contacted 9.6 million young eligible voters during the historic 2022 midterm elections.

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.