News > February 28, 2008

By Haowei Tong | Staff writer

The university hosted the first annual North Carolina Federation of College Democrats’ Convention Feb. 23. Almost 100 students and more than 20 candidates for local and national office were in attendance. Fifteen schools from across North Carolina were represented.

Most viewed the convention as a premium opportunity to connect and share with active, politically like-minded peers. Candidates took advantage of the organized gathering by appealing for votes and enlisting students to volunteer for their campaigns.

Among the politicians in attendance was Bakari T. Sellers, the youngest S.C. state senators. Elected at 21 years old, Sellers currently attends University of South Carolina Law School in addition to ascending the ranks of public office.

Sellers narrated a phenomenal background and conveyed a genuine, deep hope in the future of America. Additionally, he expressed enthusiasm about Barack Obama's presidential campaign. "Our generation is post-racial," he said.

In regard to the passion of young Democrats, Sellers said, "We believe in the future because we believe in each other." The audience, already impressed by an eyewitness account of his "Soulja boy" dance moves at a previous gathering, was profoundly moved by his speech.

"In the age of overly ambitious students, it was really inspiring to see someone who sacrificed Harvard to serve a community lacking a good, representative government,” freshman Madeleine Eckenrode said. “This kind of dedication to civil service is rare and should be truly valued.”

Students were also enthused about the candidates forum in Carswell Hall. Candidates were allotted three minutes to discuss their respective platforms, and students were free to mingle with them following the session. The interaction proved to be uniquely personal and engaging.

Five different training sessions were offered as well. Ranging from "Winning Street Fights, Mobilizing Voters, and Winning Elections" to "Effective Press Strategy," students found these seminars informative, interesting and beneficial. In "Steps to Successful Fundraising," a NC A&T senior shared fundraising event ideas with a sophomore from Appalachian State University.

“I attended ‘Answering Back on the Wedge Issues,’ a lecture by Professor David Coates, and it illuminated a lot of important liberal counterpoints to touchstone Republican arguments,” said sophomore Randy Paris.

"Overall, I am very honored with the turnout. This is the first statewide convention of the North Carolina College Democrats, and it's great to see such dive

rsity and energy," UNC sophomore and NC Federation of College Democrats' Treasurer Drew Turnier said.

"Also, Wake Forest College Democrats have done a lot for this community and for the convention," Turnier said.

Wake Forest College Democrats contributed to the convention by setting up the stages and staffing registration, in addition to general supervision. Large-scale preparation for the event began last November. A committee including representatives from eight schools chose the speakers and coordinated the details. Next year's location has yet to be chosen.

“As democrats, we are open to new ideas and it is our vision for the future which motivates our passions today,” Wake Forest College Democrats sophomore President Zahir Rahman said, addressing the convention. “We must see each other not as competing universities, but rather as one collegic community with one unifying goal: to make North Carolina turn blue next November. By coming together and creating our own identity as North Carolina College Democrats, we have started the process of making our own aspirations for the future.”