by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
This past weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alabama Young Democrats President Khadidah Stone and National Committeewoman Representative Zoie Roberson, along with several other Alabama delegates, proudly represented the state of Alabama on the national stage at the 2025 Young Democrats of America (YDA) Convention.
Held from July 16 to 19, the convention featured dynamic panels and workshops, drawing attendees from across the nation and around the globe, including Democrats Abroad and high-profile figures such as Malcolm Kenyatta, Beto O’Rourke, and David Hogg.
During the convention, the Alabama delegation cast 18 votes in the election of the next President of Young Democrats of America, proudly supporting the historic win of Fatima Heyward. Delegates also participated in the election of other national officers and the ratification of platform items central to the YDA’s mission.
Stone and Roberson are energized by the momentum from this year’s convention and look forward to working with the new administration to strengthen youth organizing, expand voter outreach, and continue building a stronger, more unified Democratic movement across Alabama and beyond.
Earlier this month, young Democrats in Alabama saw another win as Zoie Roberson, also the President of North Alabama Young Democrats, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech to the Marshall County Democratic Committee during their monthly meeting, chaired by Susan McKenney.
Held in the heart of Guntersville, the event marked a significant step in regional youth engagement efforts. In addition to Marshall County residents, the meeting welcomed supporters and young Democratic leaders from Cullman, DeKalb, and Blount counties, further underscoring the growing momentum and regional solidarity among youth organizers across North Alabama.
Roberson, known for her grassroots energy and commitment to amplifying youth voices across Alabama, spoke passionately about the importance of empowering young voters, expanding civic education, and organizing for lasting change.
“Young people are not just the future—we are the right now,” Roberson told attendees. “Once you start viewing your community as a family, it changes everything… you treat everyone in your community like their wellbeing is personal because it is.”
The crowd responded with overwhelming support to this unifying message, both in spirit and in generosity. Some attendees shed tears of refreshing hope and joy. By the end of the evening, Roberson had raised $500 to support ongoing initiatives with North Alabama Young Democrats, including voter registration drives, youth civic education events, and more.
With every county touched, and every young voice uplifted, the Alabama Young Democrats continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with—bold, organized, and ready to lead.