SUMMARY

As part of the “Democracy in an Age of Uncertainty” series, Villa Albertine hosted a student-moderated panel discussion on civic engagement featuring guests Rama Yade, Stacey Abrams, and Tara Murray.

How does political engagement differ across nations and generations? Panelists explored divergent models of political identity and feelings of belonging in France and the U.S., addressing the popularity of civic engagement among young people in both countries—from performative social media posts to protesting and volunteering—and how this engagement correlates with the critical act of voting. The event additionally explored the causes, forms, and scales of civic engagement in the 21st century.

Panelists:
• Stacey Abrams, Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, Howard University;
• Rama Yade, Senior Director, Africa Center & Senior Fellow, Europe Center, the Atlantic Council;
• Tara Murray, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy & Executive Director, National Urban League Washington Bureau.

Moderators:
• Grace B. Kalere is a globally-minded first-year student and emerging leader pursuing a B.A. in International Affairs at Howard University;
• Maven McGann is a junior international affairs major and a French minor.