Kerry Washington Talk Voting and Civic Engagement in NC

In a powerful call-in interview with K97.5’s Ashia Skye, actress, director, and activist Kerry Washington urged North Carolinians to harness the power of their vote in the 2024 election. Fresh from a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Charlotte, Washington shared her thoughts on the critical role North Carolinians play in shaping the country’s future, sharing her belief in the importance of voter participation during this critical time.

Washington, known for her roles on screen and her commitment to social issues, highlighted North Carolina’s potential to make history by influencing the nation’s leadership. “North Carolina has the capacity…to help elect Kamala Harris, and I feel strongly that she is the president we need in this moment,” Washington said, underscoring her concerns about the country’s direction and the importance of electing leaders who represent all Americans.

Acknowledging that some may feel their voices are insignificant, Washington reminded listeners that voting is about real-life issues: “Politics isn’t abstract. It’s what we eat, what we drive, and what we can afford,” she explained. For Washington, participating in elections is a way to assert control over these aspects of daily life, countering the forces that try to undermine voter turnout.

She also encouraged people to form “voting squads,” gathering friends and family to go to the polls together. Washington’s final words served as both inspiration and a call to action: “Make sure you use your voice to protect each other…to move toward a life that we deserve.”