Recently on News & Talk WAOK, executive director of the Voter Empowerment Collaboration, Danny Milam shared his organization’s mission to energize voter participation, particularly among youth. The discussion highlighted the group’s history, youth initiatives, and an upcoming early voting festival.
Mr. Milam described the Voter Empowerment Collaboration as a nonpartisan nonprofit, founded over 20 years ago by civil rights activist Rev. Albert E. Love, dedicated to boosting voter inspiration, information, and involvement in metro Atlanta. The organization’s current focus is its Young Community Influencers initiative, which offers an online curriculum teaching civic engagement and Black history. “History is important,” Mr. Milam said, emphasizing the need to understand voting rights’ origins to inspire action.
He promoted the group’s early voting festival, set for Oct. 11, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. at Liberty International Church on Metropolitan Parkway. The event will feature games, free food, and desserts to encourage community interaction and voter awareness ahead of municipal elections, with early voting starting Oct. 14.
When addressing youth skepticism about voting’s impact, Mr. Milam drew from his experience speaking at Douglas County High School. He connects voting to local issues like missing sidewalks, poor street lighting, or lack of after-school programs. “Why would we want you guys walking three feet from moving cars?” he said, urging students to back leaders who prioritize their safety and community needs. He stressed that voting is the “bare minimum” and encouraged youth to lead community initiatives.
Mr. Milam highlighted social media’s role in engagement, noting that an Instagram post with 200 likes demonstrates influence akin to voting. He emphasized that education and community involvement are key to empowering youth to shape their communities.
Listeners were directed to vecvoter.org for details on the Oct. 11 festival, donation options to support youth programs, and voter information.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.