Voices of Change: HBCU Students in Activism
Written By: Kierstyn Pryor
Activism is an essential part of being a minority student attending a prominent HBCU. There are several non-profit organizations, both local and national, that are working to make our society better. These organizations and foundations are continuously building and providing unconditional support to people worldwide. Whether it be for entrepreneurs, business, entertainment, education, or leadership, there are plenty of nonprofits that are growing daily.
Ignite is amongst these nonprofits. Since (2010), Ignite has been the backbone for women of all ethnic backgrounds and the driving force that allows them to pursue careers in politics and leadership. Ignite strives to offer resources necessary to encourage, motivate, and prepare young women to run for positions. The nonprofit organization lends its support to women of all ages and has been a major support for women on HBCU campuses.
Madysen Forney, a soon-to-be graduating senior, has been working with a number of programs and pursuing activism as a young woman for quite some time now. Outside of accomplishments like becoming a freshman class representative, sophomore class vice-president, serving as SGA chief of staff during her junior year, and running the former SGA’s campaign at Clark Atlanta University, the senior now harbors the accomplishment of working with high school and college students in her region to ensure their success. She is also heavily active and making an impact on her university by chartering her own campus organization called “Project Y.E.S (Youth Educational Services) Incorporated.'' With a background in public service due to her mother's passion and involvement, Forney expresses that there is nothing more important than leadership in minority communities. She was fortunate enough to find her purpose by watching her mom participate in community service such as feeding the less fortunate. “At that point, I knew that I wanted a career in service, something that was greater than myself.” Though she was raised in both Michigan and Illinois, moving to Georgia at 16 allowed her to see different examples of service such as public policy, non-profit organizations, and even government work. Each of these accomplishments has allowed her to catapult into a successful student and activist and has allowed her to be the voice of change our society needs. “Women hold a unique position in America. They understand resilience, showing up and making their presence clear. Women are able to evaluate and solve different global issues on a level that is different from male counterparts' perspective.”
Now in 2024, as a political science major, she is continuing to make a change using her voice by lending her experience and knowledge to young women like herself through a nonprofit organization called Ignite. Madysen says that Ignite has given her so many opportunities to be an exceptional leader and student activist. (why did she get into it) Founded in 2010 in Bay Area California by Ian Moses, Ignite prides itself on being an organization that encourages, motivates, supports, and prepares young women that are looking to run for positions in the political industry. The program has worked with 36 states and has supported over 30,000 young women. They have been featured in Forbes and other prestigious magazines, have 11 fellows as of 2023, have multiple paid fellowship programs, and cover women of all ethnic backgrounds.
Through this program, Madysen has had the opportunity to hear advice from United States Representative Nancy Pelosi for a “Young Women Run” conference. She is now a second-year fellow at Ignite and continues to be diligent in her goals through this organization as well as the Obama Foundation. She became a member in August 2022 and was offered the opportunity to travel and learn from other Black women officials like herself. On election day 2023, Forney stood alongside Carlotta Herell, the first woman to serve as Henry County Chair, and Lisa Cupid, the first black chairwoman to ever hold her position, for an exceptional public service event. “Not only has it paid off the rest of my education, but it also has allowed me to immerse myself in a culture of individuals who not only look to better themselves but better the environment around them.”
Upon graduation, Madysen plans to attend law school and get into a fellowship program abroad. In the near future, she also plans to run for a public position. With the belief that “your Network is your net worth,” we are confident that Madysen Forney will reach her goals.