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Black Millennial and Gen-Z Voters Chime in On Issues Important to Them Leading Up to the November Midterm Elections

NNPA NEWSWIRE ±— The 2022 midterm elections will definitely cast a major light on the future of this country, and with recent decisions surrounding education, healthcare, voting rights, abortion, student loans, and other issues, every vote will be crucial in determining what that future looks like.
The post Black Millennial and Gen-Z Voters Chime in On Issues Important to Them Leading Up to the November Midterm Elections first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2022

Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA Newswire contributor

Are candidates truly speaking to the issues that concern to Black Millennials and Gen-Z voters?

By Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Newswire Contributor

As we know, elections have consequences.

With that being said, the voice of Black millennial and Gen-Z voters is critical when it comes to impacting the outcome of any election—local, countywide, state, or federal.

The 2022 midterm elections will definitely cast a major light on the future of this country, and with recent decisions surrounding education, healthcare, voting rights, abortion, student loans, and other issues, every vote will be crucial in determining what that future looks like.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—a trade association of the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the United States—recently asked several Black millennial and Gen-Z registered voters whether they planned to vote in the upcoming midterm elections and what their most important issue is going into the election.

Na’Shon (28-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am current working, and in school as an HBCU Doctoral student in Public Policy.

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

The most important issue that I want elected officials to address in 2022 is crime. The level of crime can be a major influence on how and when people move to our beautiful city to access good southern culture and economic opportunities for the sake of attaining a Good Life.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Absolutely. The late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson said that “Politics is not perfect but it’s the best available nonviolent means of changing how we live.” I am a firm believer in that ideology. Moreover, it is my civic duty to participate in electing leaders who will impact the way my son and I shall live.

Elizabeth (24-year-old, Black female)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes.
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
Both.
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
The Economy. Definitely, the economy. Because we aren’t making smart moves.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
Yes, I will. First off, it’s my right so of course I will exercise it. The current leadership for the upper-level government is not who I want in office. I think they have made decisions that have strongly impacted us, and no one seems to care about that. I think elected officials should address what’s happening in their own backyard. If you go against what your constituents want, or you don’t fight for change, then you’re not the right person for the job.

Aaron (32-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes.
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
I am an HBCU Graduate student and currently employed.
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
Voting Rights; to continue to protect this right all Americans have to ensure our democracy lasts.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
Yes, because I know the important connection of voting to everyday life. I’ll be voting to honor my ancestors who endured beatings, jail, and even death, so I may have this right.

Joshua (31-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes.
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
Just work!
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
The issue that must be addressed for me this midterm is definitely the protection of women’s reproductive health rights. As a proud son, brother, and friend of many strong Black women, the empowerment (not just freedom to do so) for women to make decisions that THEY deem best for THEIR bodies, in order to be the healthiest and best version of themselves, is of utmost importance. Looking at the landscape of society and history, it is (or should be) clear that when protected and empowered, our world is a better place with women contributing at the highest possible level.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
Yes, I will be exercising my right to vote simply out of pride, duty, and spite. It’s a right that many people years ago (maybe even now) didn’t want me to have. It moves the needle of progression, and it’s a middle finger to the powers of injustice that be.

Jonita (37-year-old, Black female)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes.
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
I am working.
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
Women’s State’s Rights, because it’s my body.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
Yes, because my voice matters.

Caleb (21-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes, I am a proud registered voter
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
I am in school and working
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
I believe that all issues are important, so no issue is truly more important than others. But, I will say that I would love to see is more infrastructure changes and new beautification and developments for younger people. I feel as though throughout my entire childhood things have always looked the same with no major changes, additions, or much at all. Things are changing now, and I would like to continue to see these changes.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
Yes, I will be voting. Because I believe no matter how young someone is, if you are able to vote, and even if you don’t vote, your voice should be heard, and your opinion should matter. Voting gives people the decision to change the world and every vote matters!

Trey (24-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?
Yes, I am a registered voter.
Are you currently in school, working, or both?
I am currently a undergraduate senior at an HBCU
What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?
There are countless issues that I feel need to be addressed by our elected officials, but most pressing are today’s wages. In today’s economy, I think that now even what we once considered middle class wages are just not enough to live off of in today’s society.
Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?
I’ll be voting in the midterm elections, because I think that the longer certain individuals are in office, the greater risk to the lives of everyday people.

As you can tell, this cross-sector of Black millennial and Gen-Z voters are engaged and wanting to bring about change and have their voices heard. It is imperative that each political party, elected official, and grassroots civics group, take the voice and vote of these young, Black voters seriously and do everything to get them to the polls this November.

Jeffrey L. Boney is a political analyst and frequent contributor for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com, and the associate editor for the Forward Times newspaper in Houston. Jeffrey is an award-winning journalist, author, dynamic, international speaker, experienced entrepreneur, and business development strategist. Follow Jeffrey on Twitter and Instagram @realtalkjunkies and http://www.jeffreylboney.com.

The post Black Millennial and Gen-Z Voters Chime in On Issues Important to Them Leading Up to the November Midterm Elections first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA Newswire contributor

Posts by Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA Newswire contributor

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Smooth Ride! Car Suspension & Comfort Tested #shorts

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Oakland Post

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61 years since Selma, Houston leaders say the bridge remains to be crossed

61 years after Selma, Houston leaders say the fight for equality continues. The issues that sparked the marches still impact Black Americans today.

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Oakland Post

Houston leaders discuss the ongoing struggle for civil rights 61 years after Selma, emphasizing the need for continued action.

It has been 61 years since the Selma marches. But political leaders in Houston say that the issues protesters were marching for still plague the lives of Black Americans.

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Here is what you need to know about finding unique white elephant gift ideas that everyone wants to steal

The best white elephant gift ideas are funny enough to get a reaction but useful enough that people actually want to steal them. Look for gifts with a surprise factor, broad appeal, an inside joke, and just enough personality to spark some friendly competition. The wrapping paper comes off, the room goes quiet for half […]

Published

1 month ago

October 4, 2026

Oakland Post

The best white elephant gift ideas are funny enough to get a reaction but useful enough that people actually want to steal them. Look for gifts with a surprise factor, broad appeal, an inside joke, and just enough personality to spark some friendly competition.

The wrapping paper comes off, the room goes quiet for half a second, and suddenly everyone wants the same gift. That is the sweet spot. A great white elephant pick should make people laugh, lean in, and start plotting their next steal before the turn is even over.

Should a White Elephant Gift Be Funny or Useful?

A white elephant gift can be funny or useful, but the strongest choices usually give people a reason to laugh and a reason to keep the item. A practical gift with an odd design, unexpected feature, or playful theme can get a reaction without becoming something the recipient immediately wants to give away.

The right balance depends on the group. Close friends and family members may enjoy a ridiculous gag gift because they already understand one another’s sense of humor.

A workplace exchange, neighborhood party, or mixed-age gathering usually calls for something with broader appeal. In those settings, humor works better when it is built into an item people could still use afterward.

It also helps to think about how quickly the gift will make sense once it is opened. A strangely shaped kitchen tool, oversized mug, quirky desk accessory, or unexpectedly fancy everyday item can create an immediate reaction. Guests understand the joke right away, while the item still has enough practical value to attract a steal.

Pure gag gifts can be harder to pull off. Something that exists only for the punchline may get a big laugh during the reveal and then sit untouched for the rest of the game. If the goal is to bring one of the gifts everyone keeps fighting over, usefulness gives the joke staying power.

Memorable Present Ideas: Creating Inside Joke Gifts

Inside joke gifts can make a white elephant exchange feel much more personal, especially when most of the group shares the same stories. The trick is choosing a reference that people will recognize quickly instead of building the entire joke around something only two guests understand.

You can turn a memorable vacation mishap, office catchphrase, family story, or long-running group joke into the theme of the gift. A personalized comic book can work especially well when it turns familiar people or a ridiculous shared moment into part of the story.

Think carefully about who the joke involves before ordering anything permanent. The gift should make the person feel included in the fun, not singled out for the wrong reason.

Can You Bring Something You Already Own?

Holiday gift exchanges can be a good place to re-gift something you never used, especially if it is unopened and clean.

The following can all work if they still look presentable:

A duplicate kitchen gadget
An untouched game
A decorative item
A sealed gift set
An unopened candle
A new travel accessory

The goal is to give the item a second chance, not use the exchange as an excuse to clear out damaged or unwanted clutter.

Take a close look at the packaging before wrapping it. Faded boxes, missing pieces, visible wear, or anything that looks obviously used can make the gift feel careless.

Wrapping Budget-Friendly Gifts

Wrapping can make gifts more entertaining before anyone even knows what’s inside.

Misdirection works especially well for fun party games. Put a small gift inside a much larger box. Use packaging from an unrelated household item.

Add harmless weight so guests cannot guess what they are holding. The reveal becomes part of the joke without changing the gift itself.

You can also lean into the theme of the exchange. Bright paper, oversized bows, reusable bags, or deliberately over-the-top wrapping can make an ordinary item feel more memorable. If the gift itself is already funny, simple wrapping may work better so the surprise stays hidden until the last second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Picking Last an Advantage in White Elephant?

Picking last can be an advantage because you get to see almost every gift before making your move. Instead of choosing blindly from the remaining wrapped presents, you can steal something that has already caught your attention if the rules still allow it.

That advantage depends on the house rules. Some games limit how many times a gift can be stolen.

Others lock an item once it reaches a certain number of steals. If the most popular gifts are already unavailable, the final player may have fewer strong options than expected.

The first player can also get another turn at the end in some versions of the game. That rule can balance things out, since the person who started with the least information may get one final chance to steal.

How Do You Plan White Elephant for a Large Group?

For a large white elephant exchange, set a firm spending limit and establish the stealing rules in advance.

Create a clear turn order before the game begins. Drawing numbers as guests arrive can save time once everyone is ready to start.

Keep the number of steals per gift limited so the game does not drag on. It also helps to have one person track which creative holiday presents have been stolen and when they are locked, especially if dozens of people are participating.

Can You Play White Elephant Virtually?

A virtual white elephant exchange can work over a video call, with one person keeping track of the turn order and each steal. Guests can either mail physical gifts ahead of time or use digital gifts that can be delivered once the game ends.

Set the spending limit and stealing rules before everyone joins. It also helps to decide how gifts will be revealed and who is responsible for sending each one afterward so the exchange does not become confusing.