NABJ-Milwaukee Election 2024: A Conversation with Today’s Thought Leaders

MILWAUKEE (October 15, 2024) – NABJ-Milwaukee recently hosted a lively and informative webinar, "NABJ-Milwaukee Election 2024 Webinar: A Conversation with Today's Thought Leaders," spotlighting the importance of voting, community engagement, and the role of media and public officials in shaping a fair democratic process. Moderated by Earl Arms, host of Black Nouveau on Milwaukee PBS, the panel welcomed notable speakers and engaged community members in a discussion focused on issues impacting Black voters in the Milwaukee area and beyond. The webinar brought together leading voices, including former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutierrez, tech entrepreneur Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, and NABJ-Milwaukee board member and digital journalist Krys Reed. Together, they discussed critical concerns like election security, the impact of digital media on voter engagement, and strategies to counter misinformation.

Engaging Black Voters in the 2024 Election

The panel kicked off with a conversation about the importance of the 2024 election, emphasizing the need to engage Black voters beyond just the presidential race. “This is a pivotal time for Black voters, as issues on the ballot go beyond the presidential race,” said NABJ-Milwaukee President Tannette Johnson-Elie, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to elevating voices in the Black community.

Paulina Gutierrez discussed the Milwaukee Election Commission’s dedication to ensuring fair and accessible voting, especially within marginalized communities. She highlighted new strategies, such as pop-up early voting locations, to bring voting directly to where people gather. She encouraged community members to vote despite challenges like gerrymandering and limited resources, underscoring that Milwaukee’s voter turnout could significantly impact the state’s overall political landscape.

The Role of Media and Technology in Voter Engagement

Krys Reed provided insights into how social media has reshaped voter engagement, particularly in the Black community. “Social media platforms have opened new avenues for information but also pose challenges with the spread of misinformation,” Reed said. She urged Black journalists to use their platforms to provide accurate information, especially during election season.

Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, founder of Milky Way Tech Hub, emphasized the role of digital literacy in combating misinformation and encouraged Milwaukee’s tech ecosystem to foster engagement with young voters. She discussed her experience as a delegate at the DNC, highlighting the significance of community representation in political spaces. Johnson stressed the need for technology-focused organizations to support civic education and provide trusted information sources, especially as artificial intelligence and digital media continue to evolve.

Addressing Community Concerns

The conversation also tackled trust issues in politics. Mandela Barnes acknowledged that some community members feel politicians engage with Black communities only during election seasons. He urged elected officials to maintain a consistent presence and emphasized that non-Black elected officials should also address Black community issues, not leaving that responsibility solely to Black leaders.

To the question of how Black journalists can impact voter engagement, Reed responded, “It’s our duty as journalists to inform our communities, especially on issues that affect them directly, like voting rights, reproductive rights, and economic policies. Storytelling is powerful; it brings people together and can inspire civic action.”

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

The panel concluded with a collective call to action for the audience to vote and stay informed. Each panelist underscored the importance of young people’s involvement, especially as recent elections have shown that they have the power to influence significant change, as seen with the recent state Supreme Court flip in Wisconsin. They encouraged attendees to seek trusted sources of information, participate in civic discussions, and hold elected officials accountable.

As Milwaukee approaches the 2024 election season, NABJ-Milwaukee remains committed to educating and mobilizing voters, reinforcing the significance of community engagement, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

For more information on upcoming events and NABJ-Milwaukee’s initiatives, visit their website or follow NABJ-Milwaukee on social media. Link to panel discussion here.