OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
BLACK MILLENNIALS:
WILL WE VOTE?
OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
EDITOR’S LETTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Hi everyone! I am your new editor Sarafina Wright, a Howard alum from Charlotte, North Carolina and big changes are on the way for the WI Bridge. One of the changes you will notice is our new social media campaign using the hashtag #thebridgeisback. Make sure you're following us to participate and be apart of our growth.
Black Millennials Respond to ...............3 the Call to Vote
Denise Rolark Barnes
In this issue we asked five Black millennials from different backgrounds and different parts of the country will they, or will they not vote. All eyes will be on the “millennial” population this November to see how we perform in this upcoming presidential election. As we know given the outcome of the last two elections our voting bloc can and will make a difference. Also, we have a Fall Entertainment Guide that you will not want to throw away. Find out where you can go to party, learn and shop over the next couple of weeks before the holiday season. The direction of the Bridge will slowly become more lifestyle focused serving as a tool for Black Millennials living and working in DC. Even with the shift in direction, there is no need to worry because we will still stay true to our roots by showcasing impactful stories that reflects our communities.
Black Millennials Driving Social Change & Visibility by the Millions with Technology
Sarafina Wright .....4
Black Millennials by the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Fall Entertainment Guide
. . . . . . . . 6- 7
ON THE COVER
LAYOUT Dominiqua S. Eldridge
Howard University students looked on eagerly waiting to see Yardfest performers Common, Fabolous, Wale and Lil Uzi Vert on Friday, Oct. 21 during Homecoming 2016. /Photo by Roy Lewis.
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PHOTOGRAPHER Dejah Greene
Once again I am so delighted to be at the helm of this great paper. Remember to keep up with us on social media, write us at wibridge@washingtoninformer. com and stay tuned for what we have coming next! TTYL, Sarafina Wright @sarafinasaid
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Staff
OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
Black Millennials Respond to the Call to Vote Some are definitely voting, some are definitely not. In their own words find out why. By Sarafina Wright WI Bridge Editor-in- Chief
Sheridan Watkins, 23, child care worker Yes! I am definitely voting this year because I love and understand politics. I also know how critical it is to the betterment of my country and my people/race. This election has highlighted the scary fact that people want to turn back the clock and we can't have that.
John Scott, 23, hospital associate I'm voting, because I see not voting as consent for a particular candidate. When you vote you're not just choosing the best candidate available, you're saying yes I consent to this individual representing me on all of the relevant issues to my person. We hold our politicians accountable for their voting records, and I think it should also be the case with ourselves.
The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election is Tuesday, November 8
Charlyne Anderson, 33, executive assistant I definitely will be voting, as well as advocating for first time voters to exercise their right. Not only is it vital to vote, but to be an informed voter. What’s happening on the local level is important, as well as what is happening in your state. There is much to know about the voting process on all levels and it is necessary to take the time to figure it out, because it is our future.
Andre Grant, 28, professional photographer Yes, I think I am going to vote. Honestly it’s my third time voting, and by far, this time feels more weird than my first. I feel like I am voting for the lesser of two evils as most would say. Both candidates have done their share of wrong doings. I know I am not as committed to keeping up with politics as I should be, because it’s all over the place. I would give the upper hand/my vote to someone with service and experience over anything else.
Imani Crawford, 24, elementary school teacher I will definitely vote in November because our future is too precious and fragile for me to be complacent or lazy. It’s up to us to be the difference.
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OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
Black Millennials Driving Social Change & Visibility
by the Millions with Technology Social Media and Mobile Device Use are Game-Changers for Black America’s Viral Vanguard. By WI Bridge Staff Black Millennials are 11.5 million strong and leading a viral vanguard that is driving AfricanAmericans’ innovative use of mobile technology and closing the digital divide. Nielsen, a global performance management company highlights this group in a new report called “Young, Connected and Black: AfricanAmerican Millennials Are Driving Social Change and Leading Digital Advancement.” With $162 billion in buying power and undisputed cultural influence, Black Millennials are using their power to successfully raise awareness of issues facing the Black community and influence decisions shaping our world. Media and brands are taking notice, creating campaigns and content that target this increasingly influential demographic with greater ad spends and more diverse programming. “We have entered a new era whereby technology has become a great equalizer,” Cheryl Grace, senior vice president, U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement said. “Black Millennials are leading the way in their use of technology to impact change and get their voices heard.” At a population of 83.1 million, U.S. Millennials are considered a key voting block this November. Black Millennials represent 14 percent of that group and 25 percent of the total Black population. The top five markets for Black Millennials by
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population are New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, DC and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Weeks before the 2016 presidential race, the power of the Black electorate is a particular point of interest given the voting records set in 2012. When bolstered by its Millennial population, African-Americans had the highest rate of voter registration and voter turnout of any demographic group in the U.S according to Nielsen. “African-American Millennials are blazing trails to the center of the debate over matters that are paramount to their future success and safety—all as their influence over mainstream consumers grows,” Deborah Gray-Young, managing partner, D. Gray-Young Inc., Nielsen External Advisory Council member said. The 2016 report also delves into the spending and viewing habits of African-Americans overall and credits a voracious appetite for television content with the dramatic increase in diverse television programming. Between 2011 and 2015, broadcast network TV ad spend focused on Black audiences [defined as ad dollars placed on programming with greater than 50 percent Black viewers] increased by 255 percent. “Nielsen continues to be the definitive source of independent third-party insights on consumers of color,” Gray-Young said. “This annual report is an essential tool for organizations looking to develop a deeper contextual understanding of the influence and economic power of Black consumers.”
OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
Black Millennials
by the Numbers
Nielson 2016 Report By WI Bridge Staff
Closing the Digital Divide: •
African-American Millennials are 25 percent more likely than all Millennials to say they are among the first of their friends/colleagues to try new technology products.
•
As smartphone owners, African-Americans [91%] are second only to Asian-Americans [94%].
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91 percent of African-Americans say they access the internet on a mobile device, an increase from 86 percent in 2015, which further cements their status as digital leaders.
A Viral Vanguard: Social Education Advancements Media Engagement: of Black Millennials: •
•
55 percent of Black Millennials report spending at least one hour a day on social networking sites, which is 6 percent higher than all Millennials, while 29 percent say they spend at least three hours a day, which is nine percent higher than all Millennials. 28 percent of African-Americans ages 35+ say they use social networking sites for at least one hour per day, which is 2 percent higher than the total population in this age group. Ten percent of AfricanAmericans ages 35+ say they use social networking sites for at least three hours per day, which is two percent higher than the total population ages 35+.
Content Consumers: •
African-American Millennials watch nearly 33 hours of live and DVR time-shifted television per week, about 12 and half more hours per week than total Millennials.
•
African-American Millennials spend about two hours more per week [eight hours and 29 minutes versus six hours and 28 minutes] using the internet on PCs, and about an hour more weekly [three hours and 47 minutes versus two hours and 33 minutes] watching videos on PCs than the total Millennial population.
•
89 percent of African Americans ages 25–34 completed high school, compared to 77 percent of Black Americans ages 55 and older.
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21 percent of African Americans ages 25–34 have an associate’s college degree or higher, versus 17 percent of those who are 55 and older.
African-American Incomes and Spending Power: •
Overall Black spending power is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2020.
•
From 2004 – 2014 the number of Black households with annual incomes of $50,000 - $75,000 increased 18 percent compared to 2 percent for the total U.S. population. For Black households earning $100,000+ annually, the increase between 2004 and 2014 was 95 percent, compared with 66 percent for the total population.
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The share of Black households with an income less than $25,000 declined from 43 percent in 2004 to 37 percent of the total AfricanAmerican population in 2014.
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OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
Fall Entertainment Guide Concerts, Comedy Shows, Parties & More
By WI Bridge Staff
Music
SUNDAY, NOV. 6 Maxwell, Mary J. Blige, Ro James Verizon Center 7 p.m. $49.50-199.50
THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Roy Hargrove Blues Alley 8 p.m.; 10 p.m. $40-45
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 Sheila E. Barns at Wolf Trap 8 p.m. $55-70
FRIDAY, OCT. 28 Jeffrey Osbourne Howard Theatre 8 p.m $75-95 Stormzy Rock & Roll Hotel 10 p.m. $25
SATURDAY, OCT. 29 Lecrae The Fillmore Silver Spring 7:30 p.m. $35
TUESDAY, NOV. 1 Danny Brown The Fillmore Silver Spring 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 11 Festival of Praise Tour DAR Constitution Hall, 8 p.m. $38-83
SUNDAY, NOV. 13 R. Kelly Verizon Center 8 p.m.
PartyNextDoor & Jeremih The Fillmore Silver Spring 8 p.m. $44
SUNDAY, NOV. 20
FRIDAY, NOV. 25 Bilal Howard Theatre 8 p.m. $40-65
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Diana Ross The Kennedy Center 7 p.m. $59-179
TUESDAY, DEC. 6 Cam’ron U Street Music Hall 8 p.m. $21-36
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16
$49.50
$52-125
THURSDAY, DEC. 1
Tory Lanez The Fillmore Silver Spring 8 p.m. $39.50
FRIDAY, NOV. 4
Keith Sweat, Mint Condition DAR Constitution Hall 8 p.m.
Chante Moore Howard Theatre 8 p.m. $40-70
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14
Brandy The Fillmore Silver Spring 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOV. 5
SATURDAY, NOV. 26
$105
$25
Legends of Southern Hip Hop: Mystical, Juvenile,Trick Daddy, Bun B, 8 Ball & MJG & Pastor Troy DAR Constitution Hall 8 p.m. $59-125
Lalah Hathaway & Musiq Soulchild Warner Theatre 8 p.m. $67.50
Andra Day Lincoln Theatre 6:30 p.m. $35-110
SUNDAY, DEC. 18 Ms. Lauryn Hill The Fillmore Silver Spring 8 p.m. $77
Comedy THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Deon Cole DC Improv 7:30 p.m. $25
TUESDAY, NOV. 1 Hannibal Buress Howard Theatre 8 p.m. $27.50
OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 2, ISSUE 9
DAR Constitution Hall 8 p.m. SOLD OUT
$20-100
SUNDAY, NOV. 20
Jameson & Ginger V Blind Whino 7 p.m. $40
Trevor Noah Sixth & I 7:30 p.m. $40
MONDAY, OCT. 31
FRIDAY, NOV. 25-27 Donnell Rawlings DC Improv 7:30 p.m. $25
Theater THURSDAY, OCT. 27-30
Debbie Allen's FREEZE FRAME... Stop the Madness Eisenhower Theatre 8 p.m. $29-99
THURSDAY, DEC. 15-18, 20-22, 27-30
SATURDAY, NOV. 26 Thanksgiving Holiday Hang Blind Whino 3-8 p.m. FREE
STEP AFRIKA!’s Magical, Musical, Holiday Step Show Atlas Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. $18-40
SUNDAY, NOV. 6
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
NeNe Leakes Howard Theatre 8 p.m. $35-75
Kwanzaa Celebration Dance Place 7 p.m. $15-30
THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Nick Cannon DC Improv 7:30 p.m. $25
FRIDAY, NOV. 11-12 Arsenio Hall DC Improv 7:30 p.m. $25
SATURDAY, NOV. 19 Louis C.K.
Festivities FRIDAY, OCT. 28 Friday Night Dance Party U Street Music Hall 10:30 p.m. $10
SUNDAY, OCT. 29 The 5th Annual Halloween House Party Renaissance Hotel 8 p.m.
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