Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Voter registration event “by young people, for young people” to be held in Reservoir Park

Members of The Black Burg group. From left standing, Shaun Harris, Trinitee Segar-Barr, Marjia Allen, Adeola Adeniyi. Front, Na’ilah Burston

Election Day is coming up, and one group plans to get young adults in Harrisburg ready to vote.

On Oct. 10 in Reservoir Park, The Black Burg, a community organization run by college students, will host a voter engagement day called “Ballots for the Burg.”

“At this time where our voice matters the most, we wanted to do our part,” said Tyshaun Pollard, a member of the group.

In partnership with the local chapter of the nonprofit, Blacks in Government, The Black Burg will provide voter registration assistance and education.

In addition to voting resources, local young artists will perform a concert on the bandshell stage in the park. There will also be free food from the Manna Café in Harrisburg.

“We wanted to cater to what the community likes,” said Adeola Adeniyi, president of The Black Burg. “I think it’s going to be really fun.”

The Black Burg started in June around the time of the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests. A group of college students native to Harrisburg, they wanted to give young people in the city a way to make their voices heard.

“I think we can really do something for the Black youth in the community,” Adeniyi said. “We want to provide spaces for those who don’t fit anywhere else. We are created by young people and for young people.”

They have held a Black Youth Speak Out, a community town-hall event focused on racial justice, a Juneteenth celebration and a vigil for Elijah McClain, who died at the hands of police in Colorado. On their social media accounts, they share educational resources and showcase local Black-owned businesses.

Adeniyi expects “Ballots for the Burg” to be their biggest event yet.

She said that they hope to provide guidance on mail-in ballots and help clear up any misconceptions people have about voting.

“This election is so important, and we cannot take any chances with not getting everyone to vote,” Adeniyi said. “If they want to see change, they need to exercise their vote.”

“Ballots for the Burg” takes place on Oct. 10, 1 to 4:30 p.m., in Reservoir Park, 100 Concert Dr., Harrisburg. For more information, visit The Black Burg’s Facebook page or Instagram (@the.blackburg).


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