05
November
2015
|
16:05 PM
America/Chicago

UHD Students, Community Leaders Rally in 'Walk 2 Vote' Event

UHD President Dr. Bill Flores at the 2015 Walk 2 Vote event. UHD President Dr. Bill Flores at the 2015 Walk 2 Vote event.

Hundreds of UHD students and Houston community leaders united Oct. 29 to celebrate "Walk 2 Vote," an event that aims to empower voter participation and increase civic engagement. The event took place in conjunction with UHD's Citizenship Month activities.

Hosted by UHD's Student Government Association (SGA), the event kicked off with an introduction from John Locke, president of SGA. The rally featured Houston-based hip-hop DJ and radio personality DJ Mr. Rogers, who accompanied all entertainment, including a lyrical rap performance from UHD alum Rocko Stedy. Houston poet and author Billie Duncan, public relation and communications director of Houston Poetry Fest, performed a motivational poetry piece, "So You Think One Vote Means Nothing?" Through the poem, Duncan delivered a powerful message on the power of choice.

The rally closed with inspiring remarks from Houston Mayor Annise Parker. "It's our responsibility as citizens to vote — every vote counts," Parker said. After the remarks, more than 200 attendees joined President Dr. Bill Flores, First Lady Dr. Noël Bezette-Flores, and Mayor Parker as they led a march to the Harris County Administration Building to cast their votes.