Karson Institute Election Watch Party, Promotes Civic Engagement and Community Unity

By Alexandra Momot and Omolemo Kale

The Karson Institute is a space within Loyola University Maryland dedicated to race is a space for productive conversations regarding social progress.

 Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, the founding executive director of The Karson Institute and the event organizer, spoke about her motivations for hosting this watch party. She said that because of the historic nature of this election—Vice President Harris as the first Black and Asian woman to be at the top of the democratic ticket and on the other hand, former president Donald Trump, a twice impeached president with 34 felony counts—it felt important to create a space of community and civic engagement. When asked what she would say to people considering going to a watch party, Dr. Whitehead responded, “This is a moment for people to come together and to think about the election, the issues, and the candidates; whoever it is that wins this, it is going to set the tone for the country and how we go forward.”

Meanwhile, as some looked invested and others just pleased by the free food, a 30-year-old entrepreneur/consultant named Quincy was at the watch party. It was just a sheer coincidence that today, an event was going on at the library he regularly went to.

When speaking with Luisanni Delgado, a sophomore student at Loyola majoring in communication, she talks about her experience working at the event as a photographer. Delgado was hesitant to watch the election and anxious about the results. Her friend contacted her about covering this event, and although hesitant, she agreed. She believes it is important to do your civic duty and participate in your community.

Delgado stated, “It would be ten times better to come here and be engaged and know what’s going on instead of trying to ignore it.”