Down East Viking Football Classic Kicks Off Voter Engagement Weekend With MLK III
ROCKY MOUNT, NC – On Saturday, September 21st, the Down East Viking Football Classic will return to Rocky Mount for its 27th year, marking a significant HBCU celebration weekend that will also serve as the launch for a series of Get Out The Vote (GOTV) events focused on voter engagement and education. The weekend will feature a lineup of speakers from across the state and nation, aimed at energizing and mobilizing voters in Eastern North Carolina.
Headlining the Saturday events are Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife, Arndrea Waters King. Their visit holds particular significance in light of recent comments by Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, which the King family has criticized for his “grotesque characterization” of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement. The King family’s presence underscores their commitment to engaging with and empowering communities in Eastern North Carolina.
This visit comes just days after the King family endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein. Their participation, alongside members of the Divine Nine, HBCUs, and local candidates, aims to motivate and mobilize voters through a blend of faith, culture, and empowerment.
The event is part of a broader effort to engage historically underrepresented communities in Eastern North Carolina, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts. The combination of the Down East Viking Football Classic and the voter engagement activities promises to create a weekend of celebration, reflection, and action. Organizers hope that the combination of celebration and mobilization will create a lasting impact, motivating residents to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their communities.