By Faith Harper

Howard University News Service

WASHINGTON– While there is some disappointment, anxiety and fear surrounding the election results, there is an overlooked story about the remaining resilience and empowerment of young Black voters around the country.

The sense of civic pride still lingers at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.

As the country’s first Black public high school, Dunbar continues to honor its legacy by actively engaging its community in moments that shape history.

Before Election Day, 18-year-old Dunbar students took an important step in the democratic process during their “Parade to the Polls” event.

These first-time voters registered and participated in early voting, a momentous experience guided by Dunbar’s Law and Public Policy Director, Dr. Shelina Warren.

She said the event was designed to be both educational and empowering.

Warren led workshops that introduced students to voter values, the significance of their choices, and the mechanics of the electoral process.

After casting their ballots at the Walker-Jones Education Campus, the young voters returned to Dunbar to mark the occasion with a joyful celebration. The moment was sweetened with cake and ice cream, a fitting tribute to the pride and excitement of exercising their right to vote.

Though the election outcome grief is still fresh for some, the impact of Dunbar High’s commitment to voter engagement continues to inspire a new generation to understand their power to make a difference.

Faith Harper is a HU News Service reporter.