(L-R) JaVonte Mims, Adrian Consonery and Sha’Myron Morrison engaging in the election discussion.
Grambling voters were recently offered the opportunity to speak to candidates up for election on Nov. 6 in two forums sponsored by community organizations.
The Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. in partnership with Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce; NAACP –Grambling Branch and American Association of University Women recently hosted the forums that were open to the community at large about local politics.
The first forum, “Let’s Meet the Candidates”, was held Oct. 11 at Grambling City Hall. The candidates showcased were running for Grambling City Council.
The purpose of the community forum was to give the community an opportunity to become informed voters by being able to hear directly from the candidates and learn firsthand what the candidates views are on issues of importance. The forum provided members of the community the opportunity to get up close and personal with candidates by allowing them to ask questions in an effort to get a better understanding of the candidates’ positions. Community members also were given the opportunity to register to vote at the forum.
The second forum held by the Alumnae Chapter was for candidates for Third Judicial District Judge 3rd Judicial Court, Division C. The forum was on Oct. 15 at Grambling City Hall, and the candidates present were Monique Clement and Bruce Hampton. As in the first forum, the candidates had the opportunity to present their platform and answer questions from the community.
Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.’s Grambling Alumnae chapter said they intended for the masses to walk away with more knowledge than they walked in with about the candidates.
“Hopefully the audience was able to take away additional information pertaining to each candidates character, interaction with the general public, social and public speaking skills, and additional qualifications that are not indicated on push cards or signage which will help constituents make a enhanced decision as they go to the polls to vote,” Beverly Crawford, co-chair of the Political Awareness & Involvement/Social Action Committee, said.
Hosting community political forums is only one of many initiatives of the Political Awareness & Involvement/Social Action Committee of the Grambling Alumnae Chapter.
“The chapter has been hosting community political forums and voter registration drives during each election period within their service areas in Lincoln, Bienville, Union, Jackson and Winn,” Crawford said.
Members of the sorority believe that hosting such forums will help educate the community.
“Political Forums will benefit communities by giving constituents an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and become informed voters,” Crawford said. “It will also give constituents the opportunity the hear the candidates views on specific topics and issues. Community members will also have the opportunity to register to vote at the forum.”