Antwuan Jackson, a Langton University student, has had an incredible journey as a national delegate for the Democratic National Committee (DNC). His achievements as a representative for Langston and the state of Oklahoma have left a lasting impact on the university, leading to faculty and students taking note of Jackson’s success.
What It Means to Be a Delegate
Jackson’s involvement in the Democratic Party began with volunteering on local campaigns, where he learned the importance of grassroots organizing.
“I’ve campaigned on city councils, US Congress, senate, and voter turnout in areas that I haven’t seen,” Jackson said.
Being a delegate for the DNC involves more than attending a convention. Delegates participate in selecting the party’s presidential nominee, voting on critical issues, and representing their community’s values nationally. For Jackson, this has meant serving as a voice for Langston University and Oklahoma, ensuring that local voices are heard in national politics.
“I was the youngest delegate for the state … It was truly an overwhelming feeling as I had went to different caucuses. We really got to have the conversation about the issues people like me feel every day. We used to have a lot of problems with basic necessities on campus. It was good being able to go to have those meaningful conversations. It was a big honor to talk about the issues and the benefits HBCUs have.”
As a delegate, Jackson had opportunities to engage with party leaders and shape the direction of the Democratic Party. Jackson has taken on the responsibility of making sure students have a say in the national conversation about education, racial justice, and economic reform.
Impact on Langston Faculty and Students
Jackson’s journey has significantly impacted the faculty and students at Langston University. His success as a national delegate is a source of pride for the university and serves as a reminder of the importance of political involvement.
Lyvia Xiong, a sophomore biology student, said “Being able to nominate a potential president is a huge compliment. Having someone from our community is inspiring, especially when it comes to being politically active.”
Not limited to students, faculty have also expressed their thoughts on Jackson’s success. Jerry Elix, a government instructor, had this to say about Jackson’s role as a delegate.
“At Antwuan’s age, I was also a delegate but for the RNC (Republication National Committee). Not many students know that they can also be delegates and make their voices heard, but it takes effort and passion to want change to happen.”
Jackson’s role gives him some practical experience for his future career, which is a great thing that hopefully other students see and take initiative knowing that their voices can be heard on a national stage.
Jackson’s role as DNC delegate has brought recognition to Langston at a time when it was sorely needed. Jackson’s success is a powerful example of how Langston students can rise to prominence through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving their communities. As Jackson continues his work on politics, his work representing Langston signifies that with effort and drive, students and faculty alike can establish a social and political impact across the campus and the nation.
Joshua Heck
Staff Writer
Joshua Heck is a junior computer science and broadcast journalism major.
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The Gazette serves as the student voice of Langston University. It is produced within the Department of Communication as a teaching tool and local news source for the campus community. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles and do not necessarily represent the views of Langston University.
