#United States #Winston-Salem #Voting Anthem #We Lift Our Voices #Heart Monitors

Empowering Young Voters: The Birth of a New Anthem

A powerful new initiative has emerged from North Carolina, aimed at energizing young Black voters in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. Titled We Lift Our Voices, this modern voting anthem seeks to make the stakes of the upcoming elections feel urgent and empowering. As voting participation rates among young Black voters in Forsyth County remain alarmingly low, this project is positioned as a rallying cry for change.

In the 2022 midterm elections, only sixteen percent of Black voters aged 18–40 in Forsyth County participated, highlighting a crucial opportunity for engagement and action. The We Lift Our Voices project is the brainchild of two inspiring figures: Robin Lemberg, the founder of The Heart Monitors based in New York and Paris, and Gabby Ogelsby, the founder of Go Off Productions in Winston-Salem. Together, they have collaborated with a Southern gospel choir to create an uplifting anthem that marries gospel, contemporary pop, and elements of rock.

At its core, this anthem is more than just a song; it tells a story of collaboration between local creators and civic partners, united in their mission to boost voter turnout. The pieces of the campaign are carefully woven into a narrative that reminds young voters of the importance of their engagement. The lyrics, crafted from insights gathered through local focus groups, reflect a sentiment many young people express: a mixture of disillusionment with the current political landscape, uncertainty about the relevance of their votes, and a disconnection from how midterm elections impact their lives.

As they delve into the emotional essence of voting, the campaign strives to instill a sense of responsibility and hope. It serves as a compelling reminder that the choices made during midterm elections directly affect the policies shaping everyday life. Voters are encouraged to align their beliefs with candidates who resonate with their values, reinforcing the idea that they hold the power to effect change in their communities.

Importantly, the campaign is explicitly nonpartisan and inclusive, designed for all voters. It has received support from Lift Every Vote, a dedicated nonprofit organization, as well as V.O.T.E. - Voices of the Electorate, a newly formed political action committee committed to enhancing civic duty through innovative targeting strategies. Unlike traditional demographic-based approaches, these organizations focus on belief-based personas to engage voters meaningfully.

As we move closer to the critical midterm elections, the We Lift Our Voices anthem stands as a beacon of inspiration. It is a call to arms for younger generations, clarifying that their voices matter and that exercising their voting power is essential for shaping the communities they envision.

Through music, digital advertising, and grassroots activations, this initiative not only seeks to amplify awareness but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The collaboration demonstrates how creativity and local talent can drive political engagement and voter participation.

As North Carolina gears up for the midterms, the hope is that We Lift Our Voices will resonate far beyond music adding a vibrant pulse to the democratic process. It embodies the spirit of empowerment and serves to inspire a future where young voices will rise and be heard—a true anthem for change.