USAO’s College Democrat Club is hosting its first-ever Desserts with a Democrat event Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in Station 82. For this event, District 100 Oklahoma House of Representatives candidate Chaunte Gilmore will give her political insight and knowledge to everyone who attends.
Ryan Moses, USAO’s College Democrat Club president, said they want this experience to have more members join the club, as well as not fear their state representatives.
“Young people are afraid to look stupid, ask dumb questions, and be in a space that isn’t made for us, and the state representatives want them to realize they are allowed to ask any questions that they want and it’s okay if young people don’t know the answers,” Moses said.
Moses said they are looking forward to bringing Gilmore along for the event as they have worked together in the past.
“She has a lot of experience in the healthcare field and is very passionate about education, and I think she has a campaign that can appeal to everyone,” Moses said.
Gilmore is originally from the Northwest Oklahoma City area, where she works as a physical therapist assistant and has been involved in six different civic organizations. She has also been nominated Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and sits as a member of the Oklahoma Advisory Council. Most recently, Gilmore ran for the State Representative Position of District 100 last year, where she lost by 1,008 votes to current State Representative Marilyn Stark.
Halli Humphrey, who assists Moses with the USAO College Democrat Club, said the mission of their club is to inform others of the democratic viewpoint and increase involvement and voter turnout among the younger audience.
“We’re the next generation so we need to make sure we are prepared and engaged in politics,” Humphrey stated.
Since the College Democrat Club is new to students this year, Moses and Humphrey both gave tips on how students can become more involved with the club.
“Joining the club is the number one way to be involved with our club, and our members can choose how involved they want to be when they join,” Moses said. Humphrey added that attending club events is also a great way to show support.
The College Democrats will host its next Desserts with a Democrat Oct. 9. Current District 89 Oklahoma State Representative Arturo Alonzo-Sandoval will speak with guests about his experience thus far and answer any questions that might be asked. The College Democrat Club will team up with the United Hispanic Council for this event.
Gary Jackson is a third-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
