With the mid-term elections quickly approaching, local organizations have come together to spur African-American participation in the election process by hosting a get-out-the-vote party inspired by the film Black Panther.
The event, dubbed "Wakanda the Vote," is scheduled 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 30) at the Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan Co-Working and Collaboration Exchange, 5508 N 50th St. It will feature free food, musical entertainment and speakers.
The Marvel film Black Panther, which takes places in the fictional African country of Wakanda, drew big crowds and organizers of the Tampa event hope to capitalize on that popularity. The organizers are Morris and Deatra Martin of Next Level Entertainment, Keith and Monica Harris of KeMon Connects, Clemmon Hodges and Erica K. Williams.
Morris Martin came up with the idea of using his years of experience as an event promoter to get more African-Americans involved in the Nov. 6 general election. At the same time, attorneys and sisters Monica Harris and Erica Williams, formerly of 6 Footahs, were discussing organizing an event to increase voter awareness and participation.
Harris, who with husband Keith, formed KeMon Connects to serve as a catalyst for bringing together local organizations already focused on community improvement.
The organizers combined their ideas and experience to create-"Wakanda the Vote." They said they expect several hundred people to attend.
They timed the event to take advantage of church gatherings and to attract fraternity and sorority service organizations.
The event is advertised as politically nonpartisan. Local elected officials and candidates are invited to attend and share their platforms.
The Supervisor of Elections Office will attend to register voters and distribute information.
Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com
