PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 3, 2024 – “A Seat at the Table” GOTV (Get Out the Vote) Day Party brought together a diverse group of influencers, advocates, and community members on November 3, 2024, to highlight the importance of informed civic participation and celebrate the power of voting ahead of Election Day in Philadelphia. Hosted at Free Press and supported by sponsors Free Press, Black Leadership PAC, The Philly Download, Every Voice Every Vote, My Body My Future, Black Lives Matter, and Uptown Cafe, the event featured special guests including acclaimed actor Michael Ealy, talk show host, actress and model Claudia Jordan, rapper Vic Mensa, and esteemed personalities LeVar Burton, Sunny Hostin, Erika Alexander, and Yvette Lee Bowser. A number of local elected leaders attended, including Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, State Representatives Morgan Cephas, Jason Dawkins, Tarik Khan, Anthony Bellmon, Darisha Parker, Regina Young, and Amen Brown, as well as Philadelphia City Councilmembers Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Curtis Jones Jr., Isaiah Thomas, and Commissioner Omar Sabir, underscoring the event’s significance for Philadelphians.
The event, which drew over 200 attendees, emphasized the importance of voting not only as an individual right but as a tool for community empowerment, particularly for Black and underrepresented communities.
Actor Michael Ealy spoke passionately about the need for collective responsibility in voting, saying, “Our votes are powerful tools for shaping the future of our communities. This election, let’s remember it’s not just about us; it’s about standing up for critical issues that impact us all. The work doesn’t stop at the polls—it’s about a commitment to protect and uplift our communities every step of the way, before, during, and long after election day.” Ealy’s message resonated with the crowd, urging attendees to engage with the voting process as an ongoing commitment to their communities.
Claudia Jordan, known for her media influence and advocacy, addressed the role of accurate information in today’s political climate. “With access to more information than ever, this generation has the power to lead—but it’s also vulnerable to misinformation disguised as fact,” Jordan said. “As someone in media, I feel a responsibility to use my platform to combat fake news and help people find truth. When we vote, we’re not just choosing candidates; we’re shaping the policies that affect our daily lives. I want everyone, especially our youth and Black communities, to see how vital their engagement is in this election and beyond.”
Jordan also highlighted the urgency of this election, reminding attendees of the fragility of democracy adding, “It’s inspiring to see so many young people gathered and committed to making their voices heard and protecting our future.”
The event underscored the importance of proactive civic engagement, providing attendees with resources on how to get involved and support each other in voting efforts. Attendees were encouraged to volunteer, bring others to the polls, and continue their engagement long after election day to support critical issues that impact their communities, from healthcare to housing access.
As Pennsylvania prepares for a pivotal election, “A Seat at the Table” GOTV Day Party was a powerful reminder of the collective strength in numbers and the vital role civic engagement plays in shaping our society.
