In a resounding call to action, a new PSA campaign, “I, TOO, AM AMERICA,” is set to premiere today, National Voter Registration Day. This powerful initiative unites a diverse coalition of Black celebrities, civic leaders, and allies to amplify the importance of getting out the vote (GOTV) and participating in shaping the future of the nation.

A Legacy of Words Rekindled

The PSA draws inspiration from Langston Hughes‘ timeless poem, “I, Too,” a celebration of the resilience and inherent value of marginalized communities within America. Written by Tamara N. Houston, founder of media production and management consultancy ICON MANN, the campaign uses Hughes’ powerful words as a springboard to remind viewers of the enduring strength found in diversity and the critical role everyone plays in shaping the narrative of the United States.

A Star-Studded Cast for a Universal Message

The campaign features a captivating ensemble cast, including Black luminaries like Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, voice of Princess Tiana; actor, producer Michael Ealy; Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Estelle; and Ali LeRoi, producer, director, and creator of the beloved sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. They are joined by other notable figures like Jason Butler Harner, Ronald Low, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and many more, creating a mosaic of voices that reflects the rich melting pot of America.

A Call to Unity Through Action

Conceptually envisioned by Creative Director Shadae Lamar Smith and brought to life by the lens of portraitist Ali LeRoi, the PSA transcends political affiliation. It emphasizes the unifying power of voting as a tool to shape a more inclusive America. Burrell Communications, a leader in multicultural marketing, serves as the media partner, ensuring the message reaches a broad and diverse audience.

A Commitment to Representation

“We are at a pivotal moment,” declares Tamara N. Houston. “I, TOO, AM AMERICA is a declaration that the contributions of all communities are essential to the American identity. This nation is more than an ideal; it’s the embodiment of the ‘anything is possible’ spirit, fueled by the tireless efforts of its multicultural citizenry.” Houston emphasizes the importance of representation in the campaign, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Building on a Legacy of Civic Engagement

This PSA is not an isolated effort. Earlier this month, ICON MANN partnered with The Creative Coalition to focus on boosting youth voter registration and awareness. These combined initiatives demonstrate ICON MANN’s unwavering commitment to mobilizing underrepresented voices and fostering active participation in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election.

Watch Below

The “I, TOO, AM AMERICA” PSA will air on REVOLT TV from September 17th to 29th, with airings scheduled throughout the day and primetime.

To register to vote and make your voice heard, visit https://vote.gov/.

Cover photo: Still from the “I, TOO, AM AMERICA” PSA / Credit: Icon Mann

4 responses to “Powerful Voter PSA Breathes New Life into Iconic Langston Hughes Poem”

  1. […] from Playback Theatre, Verbal Gymnastics also has interactive poetry and storytelling workshops throughout the year at various venues around the country. Their next […]

  2. […] Tony is set to release Knucklehead this February, which features a collection of letters and poems written by black boys and men that is combined with black-and-white illustrations in order to […]

  3. […] guess what? He’s back—only this time, Babatunde has a new mission: getting you to vote in the upcoming election. With a series of Instagram Reels, Rabouin is reprising his classic role […]

  4. […] what the world would be like without the poetry of Langston Hughes or the paintings of Jacob Lawrence. What if we didn’t have the powerful music of Nina Simone or […]

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