TRIO students in Detroit learn importance of voting

November 12, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 6)

large group standing with four people seated in front

TRIO Upward Bound Detroit participants are pictured at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Seated in front are state Rep. Joe Tate and former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence.

They may be too young to cast a ballot but 30 students from TRIO Upward Bound Detroit learned about the importance of voting at a First Gen Celebration event.

"Your Vote Matters" was held November 1 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Adam Harris, director of TRIO Upward Bound Detroit, said students heard presentations from state Rep. Joe Tate, Michigan's first Black speaker of the House; former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence; and Judy Richardson, author, filmmaker and a former member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Community partners RISE and the Institute for College Access and Success hosted workshops throughout the day.

Nykia Gaines, associate vice president for federal TRIO programs, said opportunities like this build pathways for students so they can see their own success.

"I am proud of the work of this team as they provide meaningful events like the First Gen Celebration," Gaines said. "These opportunities build pathways for academic, personal and community success, encouraging students to realize their potential and their power to effect change."

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, expressed his appreciation to the community partners, Charles H. Wright Museum and the TRIO Upward Bound Detroit staff.

"Partners like the Charles Wright Museum help Grand Valley to equip TRIO students with the tools they need to succeed in school," Truss said. "We thank the speakers for talking about their journeys to our students. It's important for students to see leaders who look like them."