WNBA Stars Join “And Still I Vote” Campaign to Empower Communities Ahead of National Voter Registration Day

WASHINGTON — The Leadership Conference released a series of radio ads ahead of National Voter Registration Day (September 17) featuring Georgia native and Chicago Sky assistant coach Ty Young and Las Vegas Aces star Sydney Colson of the WNBA. As part of the “And Still I Vote” campaign, the ads aim to mobilize voters of color to shape the future of their communities through their vote in the November general election. Young will voice the ads airing in Georgia, and Colson will voice the ads airing in Nevada. In addition, the ads will air in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The radio ad campaign highlights the urgent need for voters to make a plan to vote and show up to make their voices heard in spite of the ongoing attacks on our rights and freedoms, including our right to an abortion, our freedom to learn the truth about our history, and the freedom to be ourselves.

“Voting is a powerful tool that allows us to stand up for our rights and make our voices heard,” said Sydney Colson. “As athletes, we know the importance of showing up for our team and our community, and I want to encourage everyone to show up at the polls.”

Ty Young added, “Our communities deserve leaders who represent our interests and values. By voting, we have the power to shape the future we want to see. It’s time to step up and protect our rights.”

Khalid Pitts, executive vice president of campaigns and programs at The Leadership Conference, emphasized the significance of our partnership with Ty Young and Sydney Colson to encourage voters of color to use their voice for their communities: “Voting is a sacred, hard-earned right, and we need to honor and protect that right every single day. That also means finding new and creative ways to meet people where they are to help them register and learn how to vote. The ‘And Still I Vote’ campaign empowers people to take action and make a difference. Ty Young and Sydney Colson are exemplary leaders on and off the court, and we are proud to partner with them to provide voters with the information they need to ensure their voices are heard and our rights are protected.”

The Leadership Conference has also partnered with Colson and Young to share voting resources for National Voter Registration Day on their social media channels on September 17. WNBA stars Rae Burrell, Tiffany Hayes, Kiersten Bell, and Cheyenne Parker are joining in the social media efforts. 

“As athletes, we understand the strength that comes from standing together for something bigger than ourselves,” said Cheyenne Parker of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. “Voting is one way we can all contribute to building the future we want to see. When we show up at the polls, we’re not just casting a ballot — we’re protecting our rights and paving the way for the next generation.”

For more information and to access voting resources, please visit AndStillIVote.org. You can access the radio ads here. The ads will run until October 12, 2024.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund builds public will for federal and state policies that promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. The Education Fund’s campaigns empower and mobilize advocates around the country to push for progressive change in the United States. It was founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. For more information on The Education Fund, visit civilrights.org/edfund/. 

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