JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community colleges from across Mississippi gathered to discuss civic engagement with U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).

Future leaders discussed voter rights, community engagement and a Q&A session with Thompson and other leaders at Tougaloo College in Jackson. The congressman said summits help shine a light on the future leaders of Mississippi.

“They are the future leaders. And being the future leaders, they need to learn what’s going on. But also, people like me, and others need to listen to them. Because if, collectively, we can work together. There are solutions in our state. Need a lot of this young talent to stay when they complete their education. We lose too many of our talented young people to the benefits of other states,” said Thompson.

Students engaged in discussions that could help improve community involvement, educating voters and to prepare Mississippians not only for the upcoming presidential election, but also local city and county elections.

“We always say that young people don’t do anything, and young people don’t come out to vote. But these young people are here to make a difference. The young people have always been at the forefront of movement warriors. So, it was very impressive to see these young people really be active in engaged in this process today,” said Nsombi Lambright-Haynes, executive director of OneVoiceMS.

The summit also highlighted making sure Mississippians are registered to vote for the presidential election in November.

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