NSUBA students sign democracy wall declaring political feelings

The question on everyones mind at Northeastern State University this week will be,What is Democracy? As a contribution to Constitution Week, students have the opportunity to express their political emotions on the Democracy Walls that are posted throughout various locations on the NSU campuses.

Everyone has a different interpretation of what democracy means to them. Students who pass by the Democracy Walls will see a collage of visual expressions decorated in themes of crayon, ink and pencil.

One students words clearly scream, Hear Me! as the phrase is hurled onto the page with a big, black Sharpie. Some are light cascades of pastels with quotes from Presidents of the past, suggestive affirmations and poetry.

The students at NSUBA were not shy to pick up a crayon and write what democracy means to them.

NSU senior Susan Snell wrote, "My voice is heard!"

It means my voice is heard and its important, everybodys is important. As individuals we matter, and that matters to our country, said Snell.

Democracy is the right to not be discriminated against for physical and mental health problem, said Micah B, NSUBA graduate student.

Democracy is not being condemned for whatever you believe in your heart, mind and soul, said Cheryl Creason, NSUBA senior.

A What is Democracy? contest is being held this week, encouraging students to participate and express their political feelings through creative works and interpretations. Among the categories include: visual arts, performing arts, recyclable art and an open category. Deadlines for submitted work are Friday, September 24, 2010 by 5 p.m. The contest winners will be notified and announced on October 1, 2010.

This will be an excellent week for students to express their political creativity and reinforce the metonymic adage by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton, The pen is mightier than the sword!

This event is sponsored by The American Democracy Project, Student Affairs and with assistance from the National Student Government Association of Broken Arrow campus. The American Democracy Project is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education's role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities.

For more information about the Democracy Wall at NSUBA, contact Dr. Jocelyn Payne at 918-449-6586.