AKA Chapters host political forum

AKA Chapters host political forum

By Barbara J. Thomas and Odessa Bennett

     Chi Psi Omega and Zeta Rho Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated held a joint candidates’ political forum moderated by Rodney Baltimore of Hot 105.1 on Sept. 24, 2012, at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC).

    Over 200 community members were in attendance to hear issues debated by the candidates. Twenty non-partisan, democratic and republican candidates provided the audience with their views of current issues facing the community. Members of the audience were given index cards to write questions about issues that were important to them. The knowledgeable candidates did their best to answer the questions, while attempting to gain votes. Candidates in attendance were seeking election or re-election to the following: United States Congress, State Senate, State House of Representatives, State Attorney, sheriff office, school board, circuit court, county court; county and city commission.

    Members of Sigma Chi Chapter of AKA, Nova South-eastern University were on hand to conduct voter registration; while Chi Psi Omega Chapter’s Emerging Young Leaders (EYL Girls, Grades sixth through eighth) were on hand to record interviews with the candidates, serve as time-keepers and collect questions from the audience for the candidates.

    The forum was a worthwhile community service event as evidenced by the number of candidates and audience participants. Stay tuned for future events from the two AKA chapters, educating the community about issues and to make wise decisions when choosing candidates for election.

    JoeAnn Fletcher is president of Zeta Rho Omega Chapter and Barbara J. Thomas is president of Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Odessa Bennett is the connection chairman for Zeta Rho Omega and Josetta Patterson is the connection chairman for Chi Psi Omega Chapter.