The 2025 Michigan Black Summit in Benton Harbor attracted two candidates for governor on Friday. Not only did Republican state Senator Aric Nesbitt speak, but so did Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Benson took questions from the crowd on issues ranging from election misinformation to the economy to education. She said when she became secretary of state, she requested a list of the 100 precincts in the state with the lowest voter turnout, and Benton Harbor was on it. She said to get people motivated to vote, you have to go to them.

“But also that there’s a lot more we can do to show up in these communities all across the state that don’t get a lot of attention, that don’t get a lot of focus, and really try to engage and empower the residents, not just to vote, but to believe in their future and the future of our communities,” Benson said.

Benson said it’s also important to engage young people. She believes civics should be a required course in schools.

“So all that to say is, civics education to me is rooted in helping people secure power at a young age and then how to exercise it.”

Benson said for Michigan to grow voter participation, it should be engaging partners like schools, churches, and athletic organizations.

Benson also tied education and the economy to each other, saying parents can be the best partners in their child’s education when they’re secure financially.