Producer Will Packer Stumps to Get Out the Vote and Launch a Private HBCU Fundraising Campaign
Producer Will Packer urged students at Florida A&M University to vote in the midterm elections and announced a private fundraising campaign for the university. He said decades of Republican control in Florida had contributed to FAMU being underfunded, and plans to develop a fundraising model that could later support other historically Black colleges and universities.
Packer has also campaigned for Democratic candidates in Florida and Georgia, arguing that Black voter turnout could influence close races. He cited concerns including attacks on diversity programmes and changes to how slavery is taught in Florida schools, and said he felt a responsibility to speak publicly. FAMU is one of 107 HBCUs in the United States.
In short
- Will Packer urged FAMU students to vote.
- He is starting a private fundraising effort for FAMU.
- He hopes the model can later help other HBCUs.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that urging students to vote is a legitimate way to address policies they believe have disadvantaged Black communities and HBCUs. A private fundraising campaign could bring urgently needed resources to FAMU and, if successful, offer a model for other historically Black colleges; Packer’s public advocacy reflects his view that those affected by policy have reason to speak up.
The case against
Critics could argue that a prominent producer’s campaign tied to partisan electoral advocacy risks blurring civic encouragement with political persuasion, particularly on a university campus. They may also question whether private fundraising can address the structural causes of HBCU underfunding, or whether it could let governments avoid responsibility for equitable public support.
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