Dr. Amanda Wilkerson Examines the Engagement Gap in Political Outreach to HBCU Voters
Despite strong civic engagement, Black youth voters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were largely overlooked in the 2024 election cycle.
Dr. Amanda Wilkerson, an Assistant Professor and Higher Education Researcher specializing in Black student civic engagement, is urging political leaders to rethink their approach to reaching these voters.
Her latest research, highlighted in her newly published Forbes article, “The Messaging Gap: Reaching Black Youth Voters at HBCUs,” underscores the disconnect between traditional campaign strategies and the realities, priorities, and political power of HBCU students. While these students are well-informed and engaged, many felt that mainstream outreach efforts failed to reflect their lived experiences and policy concerns.
Key Insights from Dr. Wilkerson’s Research:
- Engaged but Overlooked: HBCU students actively participate in civic life but remain underserved by traditional campaign outreach.
- Messaging Misalignment: Issues such as student debt relief, racial justice, and economic mobility are priorities, yet they are often underrepresented in campaign narratives.
- Effective Engagement Strategies: Student-led initiatives, campus organizations, and culturally relevant voter mobilization efforts have proven most effective in driving participation.
- A Call for Authenticity: Political leaders must move beyond generic appeals and invest in issue-driven engagement that resonates with Black youth voters.
“HBCU students are not disengaged—they are discerning,” Dr. Wilkerson explains. “The challenge is not voter apathy, but a persistent failure to recognize and address the political culture and priorities of Black students.”
As Black History Month serves as a reminder of the power of civic participation, Dr. Wilkerson encourages policymakers, advocacy groups, and political leaders to reassess their engagement strategies. By fostering meaningful dialogue and partnering directly with HBCU communities, campaigns can build lasting connections and drive more inclusive political participation.
📖 Read the full Forbes article
About Dr. Amanda Wilkerson
Dr. Amanda Wilkerson is an Assistant Professor and nationally recognized researcher specializing in Black student civic engagement, higher education leadership, and culturally relevant learning environments. She is a thought leader in HBCU student engagement and political socialization.
SOURCE: Dr. Amanda Wilkerson
