Virginia State University To Be First HBCU To Host Presidential Debate In General Election
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2023

Virginia State University To Be First HBCU To Host Presidential Debate In General Election

The Virginia HBCU will host the second general debate of the election season.

Virginia State University (VSU) is making history for historically Black colleges and universities. The academic institution is set to become the first HBCU to host a presidential debate during the upcoming general election in 2024.

NBC News confirmed that the Commission on Presidential Debates selected VSU as one of its hosting venues on Nov. 20, as the Petersburg, VA institution will host the second debate of the general election season on Oct. 2 of next year. VSU, founded in 1882, also announced the historic honor to X.

The university’s president, Dr. Makola Abdullah, expressed in a news release of how “grateful” they are for the opportunity to be a significant part of the election season.

“We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate,” stated the educational leader. “This is a historic moment for our university and HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is ‘Greater Happens Here,’ and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.” 

The press release also detailed the “momentous occasion” as the institution prides itself on sparking political discourse and enacting social change. Including a presidential debate on its campus only furthers its placement as a hub for diverse future leaders, as stated by the school’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Eldon Burton.

“We have always been committed to excellence, inclusivity, and civic engagement,” shared Burton. “This incredible achievement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the campus community, the university’s reputation, and the nation as a whole. Now people will know that not only does Greater Happen at VSU, but history happens here as well.” 

The debate will be held at the school’s Multipurpose Center, with the campus located 20 minutes outside Virginia’s capitol city of Richmond. While the candidates who will be in attendance are still vying for their spots, the event is sure to be groundbreaking for the country, especially HBCUs.


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