"Make Your Vote Count" Gains Recognition & Spotlight for Inspiring Voting Rights Story
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The 431 Exchange’s powerful short film, "Make Your Vote Count," has made waves across multiple media platforms since its release, receiving an Honorable Mention in the prestigious Spark The Vote Challenge. Directed by Loyola film school graduate Daryanna Barrett and narrated by her great aunt, Connie Payton, the video celebrates Connie’s mother’s resilience in the face of Jim Crow voting barriers. This acknowledgment highlights the film's impact in a competitive field of submissions focused on inspiring Americans to protect their voting rights.
The story at the heart of Make Your Vote Count speaks directly to the mission of The 431 Exchange: empowering adult learners to transform their lives through education.
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Connie’s mother, a maid in New Orleans, transformed her life by learning the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution—a feat she accomplished to overcome voter suppression laws and exercise her right to vote.
Her dedication, persistence, and commitment to education, even in the face of systemic barriers, exemplify the courage it takes to change one's circumstances. Today, The 431 Exchange supports adults on similar journeys, helping them pursue the education and skills they need to break barriers, just as Connie’s mother did.
Following the Spark The Vote honor, "Make Your Vote Count" also caught the attention of regional media. Director Daryanna Barrett and the film's composer appeared on WWL’s Great Day Louisiana with host Malik Mingo, marking the film’s impact on Election Day programming. The appearance kicked off the day’s election coverage, underscoring the story's resonance during this pivotal voting season.
Additionally, Connie Payton and 431 Exchange’s Executive Director Jeff Geoffray were featured on Ringside Politics with Jeff Crouere, as well as The Founder's Show hosted by Chris Tidmore for The Louisiana Weekly. These interviews provided platforms to discuss the importance of voting and the film’s message of honoring past sacrifices to uphold democratic rights.
With over 5,000 views on YouTube, combined with a TV and radio audience of up to 60,000 listeners and additional views through Spark The Vote, "Make Your Vote Count" has reached a substantial and engaged audience. This exposure not only emphasizes the video’s relevance but also showcases the importance of its message about honoring voting rights and the sacrifices of previous generations.