Peterson urges action, involvement

 
Karen Carter Peterson, Louisiana district 5 senator urged personal and political responsibility at lecture, “Activism through education” in Higgins Hall, Monday.
Peterson, a Tulane Law School and Howard school of business graduate serves as Louisiana senator and new chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic party.
The Nelson Mandela school of Public Policy and Urban Affairs organized the lecture  with Peterson and classes in the school attended.
A commitment to lifting as you climb and taking responsibility for your decisions were recurring themes during the lecture.
“This country needs our engagement. We live where fears are inflated risks heightened as a means to retain the status quo. If we continue to sit idly by, we will continue to get the same thing. Like the definition of insanity,” Peterson said.
Peterson discussed the school system and the mentality where we turn our children over to be raised by teachers and the system.
“Too many of us are blaming others for not raising our children. Too many adults defer to others. Personal responsibility is non-partisan,” Peterson said.
Peterson encouraged students to consider a ‘more perfect union’ they can create and those who came before them and sacrificed.
“The United States needs you, you are at the age where you can help obtain the more perfect union. Every generation wants something better. Somebody struggled for us. I’m talking about your mothers and grandmothers, it’s not fair to those who fought for you and died for you, those that helped you get here. If that means anything to you, act on it,” Peterson said.
Peterson addressed the African American community, especially black males, campaigning and governing.
“Our African American males need to be mentored and brought up. We have an obligation to reach back and get those that are in need. There is a difference between campaigning and governing,” Peterson said.
After the conclusion of the lecture, Peterson was asked how her political philosophy differs from Jindal’s and Republicans in general.
“Significant difference in what I believe is best for citizens in the state, I try to champion the needs of working class citizens, affordable health care and families,” Peterson said.
When asked about student’s ability and direction for fighting the Jindal administration Peterson said, “I think having voices heard by sending e-mails and making phone calls and being present in legislative hearings are important,” Peterson said.
Erickson Brown, a senior, psychology major from Denver said he learned the importance of voting at the lecture with Peterson.
“I have gained more tools to engage people in my age group,” Brown said.
Chaunceyetta Khosravian, a junior, history major from Baton Rouge said she really enjoyed Peterson’s speech.
“Everything she said was powerful. I am going to take initiative to speak on politics more. I learned the importance of being registered to vote and contact politicians to show that we care about the issues,” Khosravian said.
Albert Samuels, professor and chair of political science department said, he hopes that students gained knowledge from the lecture.
“I think it was very timely with what is happening nationally. Don’t wait for other people to fix the problems,” Samuels said.
Chancellor James Llorens listened to the lecture with Southern University system president Ronald Mason.
Llorens said, he hopes the lecture provides incentive for students to get involved because they play a role in politics of the state.
“Strong student voter registration impacts the local, state and national government,” Llorens said.