Less than a month ahead of “Orange is the New Black” author Piper Kerman’s speaking event at BGSU, the actress who portrays a fictionalized version of her on the Netflix series of the same name also stopped in town.
Taylor Schilling, along with co-star Kate Mulgrew, are making stops across the state to campaign for Hillary Clinton and Democrats in local and state elections. On Saturday, Mulgrew and Schilling appeared at the coffee shop Grounds for Thought to show their support for State Rep. Candidate Kelly Wicks at his canvass launch.
“I’m really here to talk about the importance of voting and electing Democrats up and down the ticket,” Mulgrew told a packed room.
She shared a story of meeting with Clinton, and expressed her support for Clinton, as well as Democrats across Ohio.
“I am almost breathless with excitement ‘cause she’s about to take the Commander and Chief seat,” Mulgrew said. “And I am delighted to be able to support you Mr. Wicks.”
Schilling said she was excited to see such a big crowd come out, and was “inspired by the enthusiasm and energy, particularly of so many young people.”
With her role on “Orange is the New Black,” Schilling said she has recently become more aware of what it means to have one’s civil liberties taken away, and the importance of being active on this issue.
“Indifference is not a luxury we can afford anymore,” Schilling said. “It is so valuable for each and every one of us to use our voices and protect our civil liberties and vote.
Wicks called Saturday the “biggest event of our campaign,” and expressed how fortunate they were to have Schilling and Mulgrew come speak to the community.
“They’re really working hard to encourage people to get involved and vote, not just for Hillary Clinton, but for Democrats up and down the ticket,” Wicks said. “It shows that whether you’re a student at BG or a super star on Netflix, your vote counts and it’s equally important to get involved.”
BGSU freshman Allie Godfrey said she personally didn’t see the event as doing much to educate or promote voting.
“I feel like this event is, at least in my opinion, more about meeting (the actresses) than raising awareness about voting,”
A Democrat, Godfrey, said she probably wouldn’t have attended had it been a typical canvass launch without special appearances.
“I really like ‘Orange is the New Black,’ and I wanted to meet them.”
