Tyler Swanson, 22, is the Youth and College Field Secretary for the North Carolina NAACP.
In May 2015, he graduated from North Carolina A&T, where he was a prominent activist for African-American, and student rights. While pursuing his degree, Swanson (originally from nearby McLeansville, NC), began speaking out against proposed laws — namely NC Senate Bill 666, and NC House Bill 589 — which he believed infringed upon citizens’ right to vote. In 2013, he became a founding member of the Moral Monday movement, joining forces with activists across the state in protest against these bills.
On April 12, 2013, Swanson organized the first major protest against SB 666, and HB 589. He was joined by students from A&T, as well as NAACP members from Bennett College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Despite potential hiccups in the form of University bureaucracy, and the “Umbrella Gunman,” 50 to 75 protestors marched from Bethel AME Church in opposition of the legislation.
Two weeks later, Swanson was again making waves, as he and his fellow protestors watched in the gallows as state legislators debated, and passed House Bill 589. In an act of defiance, the onlookers wore tape over their mouths, symbolizing the voices muted by the declaration of the law.
Swanson was later arrested during a protest — something he’d persuaded his family wouldn’t happen. On campus, Swanson and his crew managed to register 5,500 voters before the 2014 midterm elections.
Currently, Swanson is working with NAACP youth councils and college chapters to build a network of students, and young professionals working together to further the organization’s mission. In addition, he is studying for law school, and one day hopes to move to Georgia’s 5th Congressional District to serve in his idol, Congressman John Lewis’s seat.
