Cook County Commissioner Aims to Strengthen Civic Engagement

Photo: Commissioner Boykin launched the contest on March 5th at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boys and Girls Club on the West Side of Chicago, announcing our “Be Heard: One Vote Can Change the World Contest. Submitted by Caldwell Strategic Consulting.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The President and members of Congress commemorated the Selma march last week paying homage to those who fought for minority voting rights.

Too many of us have forgotten the sacrifices that were made for African Americans to have the right to vote. To that end Cook County 1st District Commissioner, Richard Boykin is announcing the “Be Heard: One Vote Can Change The World Contest” in hopes of directing youth towards civic engagement.

The contest features two divisions one for elementary and one for high school students with monetary prize rewards.

But the contest is about more than the prize. “It is my hope that this voting initiative led by children will rekindle the spirit of democratic participation and engagement while also serving as a reminder of the importance of voting”-Boykin said.

Commissioner Boykin launched the contest on March 5th at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boys and Girls Club on the West Side of Chicago.

All educators interested in having their students participate in the contest should contact Jeninne Hixson at (312) 603-4566 or via email at jeninne.hixson@cookcountyil.gov.