The Cultural Center invited Donna Brazile to campus to speak to the significance of the student vote in the 2008 election. With nearly 300 people in attendance, Ms. Brazile inspired people to seek unity and move away from the partisan struggle that has long plagued American political life. She encouraged us to meet hate and intolerance with love and an attempt toward understanding. DePaul student Winston Bowden writes in the BSU literary publication, “The Hawk:” “She brought home the message that this historic election is in the hands of the younger generation, as it is this age group that can change the history of elections by having record numbers of voters.” Ms. Brazile made real the momentous role the youth have to play in this election not only by our voting, but by our leadership in getting the vote out in others, as well. Bowden articulates, “It is youth voters who are motivating their parents and grandparents to go to the polls and to even vote early.”

            Ms. Brazile delivered her 45 minute keynote in front of a church filled with DePaul students, faculty and staff, and various members of the greater Chicagoland community. She followed this up by individually answering the questions of all audience members who did not get a chance to speak in the time allotted during the Q&A period.