Students Convene For Open Mic Forum

By: Kyle Chmielowski

On Wednesday, Oct 9, Wilbur Wright students gathered for an open mic student forum during National Voter Education Week in room S-100. It was moderated by Newman Civic Fellow, Tammatha Spivey. 

It was a space where students felt welcomed and safe to discuss a wide range of issues, such as immigration, corruption in politics, and selective education. While enjoying free pizza courtesy of pizza to The Polls, a national organization that helps support voting by providing free pizza for those attending civic events.

Students who attended the event pose for a picture(Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski)

At the forum, students were excited to share their opinions about hot-button issues that are facing our country. This was evident from the participation of various students, such as the back-and-forth dialogue between students Tyrese Gardley and Jacob Fajardo. 

The open mic environment allowed students to pitch their ideas and change the flow of the conversation in a judgment-free space. The forum was part of various initiatives that Wright College has hosted to help educate students and promote voting in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. 

Additional efforts around campus included the voter registration drives on Wednesdays that Spivey hosted. Wright’s continuous participation in the Civic Holidays Community College Concert Competition awards the participating community college that gathers the most pledges to vote with a free concert. 

Future events will be hosted in room S-100, including a post-election chat on Nov 6 and a discussion forum about Chicago Public Schools(CPS) and selective enrollment schools.