By Lawrence Vaughn
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
DALLAS — Seniors at James Madison High School spent their Monday afternoon learning the power of civic engagement as the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® hosted a voter registration pop-up event on campus.
From noon to 2 p.m., students who were of voting age or soon turning 18 had the opportunity to register ahead of the state’s October deadline. The event, now in its seventh year, continues a longstanding partnership between the chapter and James Madison High School to encourage youth participation in the democratic process.
“You have to relate to them and talk about things they relate to,” said Debra Webb, co-chairperson of the Connection & Social Justice Committee for the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. “Once they understand how voting affects everything from college aid to community safety, they begin to see their power.”
The event was more than paperwork; it was about building a mindset. Principal Russell Lonnie III said his students’ involvement is key to shaping informed citizens. “It’s majorly important,” Lonnie said. “We want our students to be heard, we want our citizens to be heard. We teach the importance of voting here, and in today’s climate and atmosphere, the vote is important. In some cases; it’s all we have.”
Lonnie praised the partnership with the sorority, calling it a model for other schools to follow. “It should be like this in every high school,” he said. “We should be registering 18-year-olds and soon-to-be 18-year-olds. Whatever your vote is, your vote needs to be heard.”
The Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, founded in 1928, has a long history of service and advocacy in Dallas. Through its Connection & Social Justice Committee, the chapter continues to lead local voter registration drives and civic education initiatives across the city.
Jacqueline Anderson-Vaughn, first vice president of the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, said their mission remains rooted in community impact. “Our goal is to leave an impact and a legacy in Dallas. To be a registered voter and to vote is what makes the difference. We want boots on the ground in every community.”
As the final registration forms were collected, the sense of pride was evident not only among the students but also in the chapter members who have made civic engagement a tradition.
Through their partnership with James Madison High School, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® are ensuring that the next generation of voters is both informed and empowered to lead.
