Event Recap: The Fight to Vote with The Guardian US
The 2024 presidential election was one of the most consequential elections in American History. Attacks on the democratic process escalated, there were crackdowns on voting rights, and mis- and disinformation eroded trust. It was a critical moment for America and the future of the country.
On Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 Emory University’s Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry and The Guardian sat down to look at the history, what was at risk, and what we could all do to engage in the democratic process and work to make real the promise of a representative democracy. Speakers included Alan Abramowitz, Carol Anderson, George Chidi, Bernard Fraga, Kira Lerner, and Sam Levine. They were joined by Special Guest Cliff Albright, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Voters Matter.
The evening began with a welcome and introduction by Fox Center Director Carla Freeman. A panel discussion moderated by Sam Levine was held with Carol Anderson, Alan Abramowitz and Bernard Fraga. Following an audience Q&A, George Chidi and Cliff Albright delivered a fireside chat. This was followed by an additional audience Q&A to conclude the evening.
Media Gallery
About the Speakers
Carol Anderson is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. Her work centers on race, policy, and criminal justice. She is the author of of White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide and One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy, among other titles.
George Chidi is a journalist for The Guardian US. Based in Atlanta, he covers public policy issues and has served as an enlisted military journalist, staff writer for the Atlanta Journal-Consitution, and elected city councilman.
Bernard Fraga is a Professor of Political Science at Emory University and faculty coordinator of the Latinx Studies Initiative. He studies American elections, focusing on racial/ethnic politics, voter turnout, and the impact of election laws on voters and politicians.
Kira Lerner is a reporter and Democracy Editor for The Guardian US. She is based in Washington D.C. and focuses on voting rights, criminal justice, and civil rights issues.
Sam Levine is a national reporter covering voting rights in the United States at The Guardian US. He writes about issues such as voter rights, partisan gerrymandering, and disenfranchisement. He is based in NYC.
Cliff Albright is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Voters Matter Fund. Based in Atlanta, he is known for his social activism. He also serves as an instructor of African-American Studies at a number of universities.
