With Congress’ public approval ratings at an all-time low, the State of the Union will play an important role in establishing the agenda for the Obama administration’s second term. #BarackTalk, an interactive State of the Union viewing party and online discussion, is an opportunity for America’s young voters and seasoned activists to come together surrounding their vision for change, critique Obama’s address, and form new connections to advance a policy agenda in 2013. The open forum for youth activists and citizens will address the most important political topics of 2013, including climate change, gun violence, voter suppression and youth entrepreneurship.
Featured panelists for #BarackTalk, include Goldie Taylor (MSNBC), Michael Brune (Executive Director, Sierra Club), Reverend Yearwood (Executive Director, Hip Hop Caucus), Rob “Biko” Baker (Executive Director, League of Young Voters), Monique Gamble (University of DC), Jasiri X (One Hood Media), Carmen Berkeley (Executive Director, Generational Alliance), Shamar Robbins (Green For All), Jared Ball (author, I Mix What I Like: A Mixtape Manifesto), Malik Rhasaan (Occupy The Hood), Janee Bolden (Bossip), Austin Thompson (SEIU), Liz Ryan (Executive Director, Campaign for Youth Justice), Jessica Sandoval, Eddie Ferrer (COO, DC Lawyers for Youth), Michael Kemp (juvenile justice activist) and other leading pundits.
Official event partners, include Ustream, Rock the Vote, Voto Latino, Sierra Student Coalition, Energy Action Coalition, Campaign for Youth Justice, USSA, Opportunity Nation, Headcount, Generational Alliance, Our Time, and Spark Action.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET
10-12 a.m.: #MorningStatus: Weekly political livestream with Biko Baker1-3 p.m.: Talking Points: Monthly political livestream with Carmen Berkeley
3-4 p.m.: Jasiri X performance + Live Google Hangout with special guests
5-6 p.m.: Education panel with United States Student Associate + Opportunity Nation
6-7 p.m.: Juvenile Justice panel with Campaign for Youth justice
7-8 p.m.: Climate Change panel with Sierra Student Coalition + Energy Action Coalition
8-9 p.m.: Immigration panel with Leadership Conference + Voto Latino
9-9:30 p.m.: State of the Union Watch Party + #BarackTalk Tweet-up
9:30-11 p.m.: Reaction Panel with special guests
#BarackTalk will take place in the heart of the nation’s capital at legendary cultural space, Busboys and Poets (2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009) and broadcast live via Ustream at www.YoungVoterLive.com. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #BarackTalk.