Join our efforts in creating a more informed and engaged electorate. Cordarius "DJ Crisis" Freeman is the visionary behind the "Shut Up & Vote" campaign, a powerful voter awareness initiative that he launched in 2012 while he was a student at Tennessee State University. At that time, Freeman was an on-air personality on Nashville's 101.1 The Beat radio station, where he recognized the opportunity
to use his influence for a meaningful cause. The campaign was born during the 2012 presidential election when Barack Obama was seeking his second term. Freeman noticed that many of his peers at TSU were not taking the election as seriously as they should. Understanding the importance of informed voting, he created "Shut Up & Vote" to educate young adults on the significance of their participation in the electoral process. The campaign's objective was never to steer people toward a particular candidate but to encourage them to research policies that would directly impact their lives at that moment and in the future. Following the 2012 election, Freeman's commitment to voter awareness only deepened. He observed how the world changed year after year, with issues that were once overlooked becoming increasingly important. This realization drove him to make voter education a daily priority, ensuring that people—especially the younger generation—understand the power of their vote. In recent years, "Shut Up & Vote" has grown in scope and influence. Just a few weeks ago, the campaign entered into a partnership with the esteemed voter rights organization, The Equity Alliance. This collaboration is focused on launching a new initiative aimed at college students and young adults, furthering Freeman's mission to foster a more informed and engaged electorate. The next phase of "Shut Up & Vote" kicks off on August 30th with the "Shut Up & Vote" Tour. This tour will include a series of events such as a Happy Hour Series, College registration rallies, and a town hall forum at Tennessee State University—where the initiative originally began. Through these efforts, Freeman continues to inspire and empower the next generation of voters, reinforcing the message that every vote counts and every voice matters.
