By Sherise Jones
HAMPTON, Va. (HUNS) – Virginia is in the final stretch of the race for a new governor. Some students at Hampton University are giving the edge to Democrat Abigail D. Spanberger over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Two of them, Jordan Matthews of Newport News and Nadia Bookman of Richmond, shared the reasons why and key issues that are influencing their vote for Spanberger.
National Security
Bookman: “I appreciate that Spanberger has a bipartisan approach to leadership. She has a background in public service, including her work as a CIA officer, which makes me feel confident that she understands national security and government operations.”
Economy
Bookman: The cost of living has continued to rise from groceries to housing. I want leaders who are serious about creating economic stability and making our state more affordable for working families. Second, education is essential.”
Veterans
Matthews: “I like that Spanberger prioritizes veterans, infrastructure and protecting democracy. I have family members who served in the military, and she’s been active in pushing for better health care and support services for veterans.”
Technology
Matthews: “She also talks a lot about improving transportation and broadband access across Virginia, which I think helps everyone — not just one side of the state. I feel like she listens to regular people and doesn’t get caught up in the extremes of politics.”
Employment
Matthews: “One of my biggest concerns is job security and career opportunities for young adults. A lot of my friends feel like they need to move out of state to build their future, and I want leaders who will invest in bringing new industries and better-paying jobs to communities across Virginia.”
Health Care
Bookman: “Her work on lowering prescription drug costs and supporting families and small businesses really aligns with what I care about.”
Matthews: “I’m also worried about healthcare being too expensive. Even basic care can be hard to afford, especially for young people just starting out.Lastly, I care about protecting our rights including voting rights and reproductive rights, and I feel like Spanberger is committed to defending those freedoms.”
Sherise Jones is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University.
Reporter’s Notebook: Strange Bedfellows at Obama-Spanberger Rally
By Honeyrose Smith
NORFOLK, Va. (HUNS) – The recent Virginia Votes Rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger featured speakers such as former President Barack Obama, but included unexpected attendees — dedicated supporters of Spanberger’s Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears. And one of them shocked me.
I arrived at 9:45 a.m. at the Chartwell Arena and joined the line, which bent and curved like a snake. While in line with other student journalists, a woman started a light-hearted conversation with us on the values of education and family.
Soon more reporter friends began to join me. At this moment, I spotted a peer reporter, Zoe Duncan, who was also on assignment too. We and chatted joyfully about the coming election.
I continued to get acquainted with others in line including Vicki Roberts, 70. Roberts had a deep history of civic engagement, from protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University in 1970, to working on Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign and serving as a flight attendant for Bill Clinton.
Suddenly, as the line began to shift, I heard a high-pitched voice from my right shout: “You skipped me!”
My head whipped around, and to my surprise it was the woman I spoke with earlier.
“She must be joking,” I said to my friend Zoe Duncan with a laugh.
Yet the nagging continued. “You skipped me,” the woman said.
“You skipped me.” “Wait,” Zoe said. “I don’t think she’s joking.”
“I’m 68 years old, and …,” the woman continued. I walked away.
An Asian male and a Black woman were among the bystanders surrounding me. They both took up for me and told the woman that her dramatics were unnecessary.
Suddenly, the Black woman looked up and saw a friend. Duncan and I were shocked to see her carrying a sign that stated in all caps:
“REPUBLICAN GOV YOUNKIN MADE SURE
VIRGINIANS HAD THEIR FOOD STAMPS
DONT BE DUMB, VOTE WINSOME”
Ironically, a liberal white woman accosted me at a Democratic rally with Spanberger and Obama, but it was a conservative Black woman who defended me.
According to a team from WHOV-TV, the conservative activist is Chaida Bango Bango, host of the “This Is Her America” podcast and city hub leader for BLEXIT, which means a “Black Exit from the victimhood mentality” and the Democratic Party. BLEXIT recently organized a controversial “Educate to Liberate” tour at HBCUs during their homecomings.
At the Spanberger rally, Bango Bango looked mad as she and a fellow Earle-Sears supporter yelled in protest when Obama walked on stage, said Nyla Cross, line producer at WHOV-TV. She screamed “Liar!” and defended Donald Trump’s actions during the 44th president’s remarks and criticism, Cross said. Meanwhile, the surrounding crowd cheered loudly to drown out their voices.
Honeyrose Smith is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University.
