Jackson State University will host an opening ceremony for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann’s “Promote the Vote (PTV) Exhibit” on Wednesday, March 6. The exhibit will be available for viewing until May 6 and will showcase 47 pieces of art from throughout the state.
“Jackson State University is elated that Secretary Hosemann agreed to partner with us on this tremendous work to build awareness on the importance of voting and highlight talented K-12 students from around Mississippi,” said Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president of JSU. “It is our hope that the community will come out and share in this amazing experience.”
“Promote the Vote” is Hosemann’s comprehensive K-12 voter education program. This year’s program, which included a mock election and art and essay contests, asked students to contemplate how they may “Make a Difference in Mississippi” by voting and getting involved in their communities.
The art contest asked students to depict “Colors of My Community” by pretending they were an artist commissioned to draw a mural on a building in their hometown by representing the place and people.
Seven artists throughout the state judged art entries.
“One of my favorite things about ‘Promote the Vote’ is getting to show off the talents of our K-12 students. They have a vision for our future as a brighter Mississippi, and this comes through in the artwork they submit to us,” Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said. “Thank you to President Bynum, JSU Art Galleries Director Shon McCarthy, and Jackson State University for allowing us to share our students’ significant talent with the wider community through this exhibit.”
For the first time in PTV’s decades-long history, Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s (MPB) education arm partnered with the Secretary of State’s Office to encourage school, teacher and student participation. MPB hosted a mock election precinct contest and recognized schools and classrooms with festive election décor for their mock election. Two schools won prizes: Pearl Upper Elementary and Carthage Christian Academy.
Free to participating schools, “Promote the Vote” began in 1996. This year, more than 320 schools and about 70,000 students participated in “Promote the Vote” activities. The 2019 “Promote the Vote” program will kick off in August with a mock election for governor and art and essay contests.
More information about “Promote the Vote” is available on the Secretary of State’s web site.