Early birds in the Mary Markley dining hall were treated to more than just doughnuts yesterday morning.
Leaving the TV cameras and podiums behind, the Rev. Jesse Jackson visited students in their University home as part of his "Get Down With the Vote" tour.
The one-time Democratic candidate for president spoke to about 100 University students and staff at Markley early yesterday morning, after addressing the congregation at Ann Arbor's New Hope Baptist Church.
Jackson told students they need to take the initiative in the upcoming elections, and do it on a local level.
"It's your chance, it's your challenge," he said. "We have the power to change the course in Michigan."
Alan Levy, director of Housing public affairs, said Jackson's visit was especially meaningful because Jackson asked to speak in a residence hall.
"For students to see a national leader, an icon for civil rights, in the Markley dining room, it's just a tremendous opportunity," Levy said.
John Matlock, director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and an organizer for Jackson's visit, said Jackson's staffers asked him to cancel the trip because of his bout with bronchitis. "But he said he was coming anyway," Matlock said.
Matlock said Jackson's commitment to mobilizing the youth vote is too strong to be put down by mere bronchitis.
"He's the person to get young people energized," Matlock said. "He, more than anybody else, continues to speak out about energizing young people."
Jackson delivered a message of obligation, telling students they needed to fulfill theirs, and that they needed to demand the same from government. He said registering to vote was the key tool for meeting those obligations.
"Use your voter card as a weapon for protection," Jackson said. "We don't have to stay in jail for 27 years like Mandela - we can just vote."
Registering to vote is essential for ensuring fairness in the judicial system, Jackson said. He said students should pay a lot of attention to electing judges, state attorneys and district attorneys.
"This thing is bottom-up, not top-down," Jackson said. "You are a lot more likely to meet this judge than you are to meet Bill Clinton."
Since students live in Ann Arbor, they should vote here, Jackson said. "You live wherever you slept the last two or three nights in row," he said. "You should vote where you live."
Jackson stressed the necessity of student-aid programs. He said the higher education plans laid out by Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole would severely hinder opportunities for less-than-affluent people to attend college.
"Dole and (Republican vice presidential nominee Jack) Kemp said they would make affirmative action illegal ... that's a message," Jackson said. "By voting you protect your right to stay here."
Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose said she agreed strongly with Jackson's message and recognized the need for students to register to vote.
"Those of us who want social change can see that the pendulum is swinging in our favor," Rose said. "But we also know that the pendulum doesn't move without some pushing and pulling."
Students participated in a brief question-and-answer session with Jackson, asking about welfare reform and the status of black men in today's society.
At the close of his speech, Jackson asked all students not registered to vote to stand.
"I'm going to register you right now," Jackson told them. "This will take care of business."
LSA senior Tiffany Coty registered at the event. She said she wasn't sure she could vote in Ann Arbor, since she is from Illinois.
Coty said she appreciated Jackson's speech and his efforts to register young voters. "I'm happy I got to register to vote," she said.
Jackson is scheduled to speak today at 1:15 p.m. at Hill Auditorium. The public is invited to attend. Students can register to vote at the event.
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
The Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke of the importance of voting yesterday morning at Mary Markley Residence Hall. Jackson visited campus for his "Get Down With the Vote" campaign.