Local organizations have come together for Sept. 15’s “Dancing for Democracy” — a free event encouraging eligible voters to get involved in midterm elections.
Photo courtesy of Robin Michals
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Downtown Brooklyn will trade the campaign trail for the dance floor next week as a free, all-ages event aims to combine music, community and voter registration ahead of the city’s upcoming election cycles.
“Dancing for Democracy” will take place Sept. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Abolitionist Place, at the corner of Willoughby and Duffield Streets. The event is presented by Vinyl Nights’ Rebecca Lynn and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of the City of New York, YVote, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission and Vinyl Nights.
Dance and do your civic duty at this year’s “Dancing for Democracy.”Photo courtesy of Robin Michals
The voter registration drive is being held in celebration of National Voter Registration Day on the same day, with organizers encouraging New Yorkers to use the evening to get informed, register to vote and learn more about civic participation.
“Dancing for Democracy is where joy meets purpose — where music brings us together, movement becomes a celebration, and every voice has the power to shape our future,” Lynn said in a statement.
“Dancing for Democracy” coincides with National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 15.Photo courtesy of Robin Michals
The event will feature London-born, Brooklyn-based DJ Misbehaviour, known for her multi-genre sets and frequent presence at other Vinyl Nights events, as well as 17-year-old Brooklyn activist DJ Annie Red, whose real name is Samirah Horton.
Horton is the CEO and founder of “You Are Never Too Young to Make a Change,” an organization focused on anti-bullying services and education, building self-esteem and supporting young people in becoming changemakers in their communities.
“Dancing for Democracy” is free and open to all ages, Lynn said.Photo courtesy of Robin Michals
In 2022, Horton was named one of the Top Five Honorees for TIME Kid of the Year. She has since continued to use music and youth advocacy as avenues for encouraging young people to get involved in their communities.
Lynn added that the event is designed to make civic engagement approachable while creating a space for Brooklyn residents to connect.
The event is free and open to all ages. Attendees can reach Abolitionist Place by taking the 2 or 3 train to Hoyt Street or the A, C, F or R trains to Jay Street-MetroTech.