Diontre Davis is an accomplished student and advocate, a Master of Public Policy candidate at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, class of 2025. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he has a strong background in social and international development policy, working extensively with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and serving in leadership roles in various advocacy groups. He is also involved with The Black Policy Institute, focusing on creating policies that promote equity and inclusion.
Could you introduce yourself and highlight your role in the Youth Division of the Black Policy Institute?
I became involved in the formation of the Youth Division of the Black Policy Institute, playing a key role in establishing the Young People’s Advisory Board. As a founding member and Joint International Chair of the Youth Division, I collaborate with a network of NGOs globally. Our mission is to connect young Black voters across international borders in political advocacy, empowering them to understand their rights and become future leaders.
What do young people in the USA care about when they vote?
The increasing amount of student loan debt for those attending four-year colleges or higher education institutions is concerning. Graduates burdened with significant debt often find it challenging to make financial, career, and life decisions in the future. This growing debt impacts their ability to achieve financial stability and pursue their desired career paths.
Throughout the US, particularly within urban areas, there’s a growing concern, especially among Black communities, regarding large-scale development projects. Concurrently, the housing market continues to surge, exacerbating existing disparities. Many young individuals find themselves compelled to share living spaces with family members, adding strain to household finances. As urban living becomes increasingly unaffordable, young people are forced to relocate, even to rural areas, often settling in neglected neighbourhoods with poor environmental conditions, worsened by climate change.
Climate change also ties into this issue through its indirect effects, impacting young people who are increasingly worried about the future. The environmental damage we’re causing—such as pollution of clean water and air, and global warming—raises significant concerns. This worry about our environment and the pain it causes is driving more people to become politically active, as they recognize the urgent need for action and technological solutions to address these serious challenges.
How are young women engaging with politics in America? What are their major issues?
In terms of young women in America, particularly women of colour, they have been at the forefront of voter turnout in recent years. Women have been leading the charge, especially on crucial policy issues like reproductive healthcare and reproductive rights.
For instance, nearly nine out of ten young voters of colour indicated that the overturning of Roe v. Wade significantly affected them, with many believing that abortion should be legal in most cases.
During the overturn of Roe v. Wade, I worked with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, supporting electoral efforts for the 2022 midterm election cycle. Many young women leaders took the forefront of the electoral battle, helping to flip numerous states and elect champions of sexual and reproductive healthcare. Their efforts were crucial in resisting state-level attacks on reproductive rights, underscoring the importance of women’s freedom to make decisions about their bodies.
These young women not only increased voter turnout but also drove significant policy changes, demonstrating the power and impact of their political engagement.
Which administration do you see will be working to address women’s issues in America?
The Biden administration is committed to directly addressing women’s issues, particularly reproductive healthcare. They’ve been working on these issues even before the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Vice President Kamala Harris is a strong proponent of reproductive healthcare for women, supporting their choice not only to obtain abortions but also to access other healthcare services.
The Black Policy Institute plays a crucial role in this effort by using our platform to advocate for these causes through social media and political engagement.
What are the issues faced by young voters while exercising their right to vote?
We are particularly focused on two reasons why many young people are active voters. First, they believe voting is a fundamental human right, yet continuous barriers are being put in place, such as restrictive voter ID laws that disproportionately affect Black people and other communities of colour.
Second, transportation barriers make it difficult for people to get to polling stations, which is exacerbated by the affordable housing crisis. Many are forced to move to areas farther from polling locations due to housing affordability issues, making it harder for them to vote. These challenges highlight the broader issue of accessibility and the need for systemic change to ensure that everyone can exercise their right to vote.
What inspired you to become involved in political activism?
The sacrifices made by previous generations, who fought tirelessly to secure voting rights for Black communities in the U.S., deeply motivate many young Black voters today. Their passion for voting and electoral activism is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to honour that legacy and continue the fight for equality.
I feel a responsibility to keep hope alive by encouraging people to use their voices and participate in the voting process. We must also explore ways to reimagine and improve the current voting model to make it more accessible for everyone. Those in power often attempt to silence us by undermining our belief in our power. However, our participation in elections, such as those in 2018, 2020, and 2022, demonstrates our strength and influence. Despite these challenges, young people have shown up in large numbers to vote, proving that we have the power to make a difference and shape the future of our country.
What is the significance of the upcoming workshops hosted by the Black Policy Institute, particularly concerning supporting candidates from marginalized communities and prioritizing women’s participation?
These workshops are very important because we want to instil the skills and knowledge needed to support candidates from our communities. It’s about understanding what it looks like to back new and fresh candidates who have been involved in various spaces and conversations about what young people want to achieve and create. We aim to discuss ways to support the emergence of new political candidates who can drive change and be at the forefront of our movements.
We also prioritize women’s participation in these workshops. Ideally, we want a majority of women, or at least an equal split, to join these sessions. These speakers are all Black women leaders who have gained valuable experience from various offices.
One of the speakers is a prominent activist Councillor Valerie Bossman-Quarshie in the UK, with extensive knowledge of current events in both the US and the UK. Another speaker, Jasmine Martins is a senator from Kenya, who will also share her insights. Their participation underscores the global perspective we aim to bring to these workshops, enhancing our collective understanding and strategy for political engagement and leadership.
The Black Policy Institute plays a pivotal role. Our platform leverages social media and political content engagement to provide a space for young people to share their stories, putting a human face to the challenges posed by policies. Additionally, we address the hurdles surrounding voting, particularly for those outside university spaces who may lack access to civic education. Our upcoming engagement workshop aims to brainstorm avenues for empowering Black individuals in the US and UK as messengers and activists, enhancing voter engagement. This is just the beginning; we envision multiple workshops to sustain and amplify this momentum throughout election cycles.
What role do young activists play in influencing their communities and shaping policies despite not being able to vote?
Young people, even if they cannot vote, can significantly influence their communities through protest and advocacy. Their activism can impact family members, friends, and other close connections who can vote and organize around important issues. Knowledgeable young individuals can share their insights and propose actionable solutions, which is powerful for addressing community challenges.
For instance, over the last decade, young people have effectively advocated for changes in gun policies in response to school shootings across the U.S. Their voices have mobilized support and influenced elected officials to fight for stricter gun control measures. Similarly, many young people are vocal online about human rights violations, such as those in Gaza, hoping their activism leads to policy changes. Therefore, young policy institutes aimed at building community and addressing prejudice are essential in empowering young activists to continue making a difference.
How do their social media engagement and the political content they consume affect their politics?
Social media impacts young people’s political attitudes in two main ways. Firstly, the content young people consume on social media can increase political cynicism, particularly due to the pervasive distrust of political actors and their actions. This distrust extends to elected officials and their handling of various policies that significantly impact young people, both domestically and internationally.
Secondly, the constant flow of sensationalized news on major channels often aims to boost ratings by creating a political divide, anxiety, and anger. This sensationalism can lead to political misunderstandings and attacks, further increasing apathy and disengagement among young people, especially those with differing political ideologies and party affiliations.
Despite these challenges, many young people feel empowered and eager to see change, even if they believe current elected officials aren’t creating pathways for such change. They are increasingly organizing and advocating for themselves, leading to the rise of new leaders. For example, in the U.S., young people of colour have made significant strides, as seen with Wes Moore, the young Black governor of Maryland.
Social media has become a vital tool for political candidates to connect with young people, with varying degrees of success. The effectiveness of this engagement largely depends on how well candidates can utilize social media to resonate with and mobilize young voters.
Why do some young voters choose not to vote?
The decision not to vote often stems from the actions of those already in power, who benefit from voter suppression. I understand where people with voter apathy or cynicism are coming from, having spoken with many individuals in the past who feel this way about voting. For me, it’s important to help create a sense of hope, as this is what those in power try to undermine.
Many young people vote between elections, but their voter turnout is affected by their dissatisfaction with elected officials who fail to represent their concerns or policy agendas. This lack of representation leads to a disconnect and fuels voter apathy. When officials don’t maintain their commitments to young people, it creates a sense of disillusionment.
This feeling that “nothing changes” is prevalent, and it’s particularly evident in the upcoming election. Many young people are frustrated with the potential front-runners, like President Biden and former President Trump, feeling they must choose between two unpopular candidates. This sentiment was also present in the 2016 presidential election.
Additionally, there is significant disapproval among young Black voters and voters of colour regarding the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza situation. It’s crucial to bridge this gap and restore trust in the electoral process. By supporting and amplifying young voices and addressing their concerns, we can combat voter apathy and empower a new generation to believe in the power of their vote.
What are some solutions you would suggest to political issues faced by young people?
Voting by mail offers a convenient alternative to traditional in-person voting at polling locations. Allowing individuals to simply mail in their ballots before the official voting day, provides invaluable support for those who may face travel limitations or other obstacles that prevent them from voting in person. This accessibility is especially crucial for individuals who cannot attend on election day or visit a polling location beforehand.
Additionally, storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for young people to convey the real-life impact of political issues. By sharing personal stories and experiences with political leaders, they can effectively highlight the significance of these issues and advocate for meaningful change. This approach ensures that these concerns are not seen as distant or abstract but are recognized as tangible challenges affecting real people in their communities. Ultimately, addressing these issues is essential for shaping a better future for both current and future constituents.
