Many state legislatures make it intentionally difficult for college students to vote by gerrymandering their districts, creating polling places miles away from campus that can disincentivize casting a ballot.

This article is republished as a part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

Does the ideal of American democracy truly serve Black folks? Do calls to protect and defend democracy fall flat on the ears of Black Americans and youth? And what is Better to Speak’s role as a media platform for Black youth and young adults?

Kési Felton, writer and founder of Better to Speak, reflects in recognition of Democracy Day, in which newsrooms across the country are shining a light on threats to democracy and what action is needed to protect it. Learn more at usdemocracyday.org. 

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, which federally protected the right to an abortion – as well as other health privacy and reproductive health care concerns – since 1974. Here’s how you can learn more + take action in support of abortion and reproductive rights.