Meet & Greet Candidate Forum @ University of Missouri St. Louis

On July 17th, the EdCollabitat Room at the University of Missouri-St. Louis was the bustling
venue for a highly engaging Candidate Forum. This event was hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter, along with partners Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. -
St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated - St. Louis
Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, the NAACP St. Louis County, and the League of Women
Voters. The forum was a testament to the collaborative effort to foster civic engagement and
offer a platform for open dialogue between candidates and the community.

The event was honored with greetings from the Mayor of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones, who is also
a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her presence underscored the significance
of the forum and its role in enhancing civic participation.

Over 150 attendees filled the room from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, engaging in a non-partisan
discussion from a wide array of candidates from all political parties. They candidates are
contesting in races for Governor, Congress, U.S. Senate, State Senate, and various State
Representative seats. This diverse representation allowed for a broad spectrum of viewpoints,
providing community members with comprehensive insights into the candidates’ policies,
visions, and strategies.

The forum facilitated meaningful interactions between the public and potential leaders,
emphasizing the importance of being informed voters. The event highlighted the ongoing
commitment of the hosting organizations to promote civic awareness and voter education in the
St. Louis community, inspiring an informed and active electorate as the election approaches.

Bro. Terry Wilson, Epsilon Lambda Chapter A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Chairperson, looking on as St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones gives remarks.

Brothers of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter in attendance.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated - St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter members in attendance.

Political Symposium in Northwoods

 On April 27th, 2024, a political symposium was hosted by Bro. Sam Bradford in collaboration with the Alpha Mentoring Program at Northwoods City Hall. As an alderman in the Northwoods area, Bro. Bradford organized this event to emphasize the significance of local politics and its impact on our communities. The symposium aimed to educate young participants about the functioning of local government and the importance of their involvement.

Event Overview

The symposium commenced with an introduction to various key figures within the city of Northwoods, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of local governance. Following the introductions, participants engaged in breakout sessions where they thought of various things that they wanted to see changed where they lived and then put it into an ordinance.  This hands-on approach culminated in a mock council meeting where each of the four groups presented in a “mock” meeting format, proposed their ordinance idea and voted on it.  This allowed the boys to talk about their ordinance idea with everyone and get feedback from the full group as well as from Brother Bradford.

Key Highlights

Focus on Local Governance

Bro. Bradford highlighted critical positions within the city of Northwoods that play pivotal roles in local governance. The symposium, however, aimed to provide a broader understanding of essential roles in cities across America that facilitate local government operations. The primary objective was to educate the participants on the process of law-making at the local level, referred to as ordinances in municipal governance.

Educational Breakout Sessions

The breakout sessions were led by different brothers from the Alpha Mentoring Program. Each group was tasked with creating their own ordinance, fostering innovation and collaboration. The mentors guided the boys in developing cohesive and practical ordinances, sparking creative ideas and ensuring active participation.

Mock Council Meeting

Bro. Bradford presided over a mock board meeting, introducing the participants to Robert's Rules of Order and the workings of city councils nationwide. Each breakout group presented their ordinance in the mock council meeting, experiencing firsthand the procedures involved in passing local laws. This practical exercise helped them understand the intricacies of local governance in a relatable manner.

Q&A Session

The event concluded with a Question and Answer session where the boys had the opportunity to engage with Bro. Bradford, Mayor Sharon Pace, and a police officer. This session provided further insights into the workings of local government and allowed the participants to ask questions about issues affecting their communities.

Conclusion

The political symposium successfully educated young participants on the importance of local government and their role in it. By involving them in practical exercises and interactive sessions, Bro. Sam Bradford and the Alpha Mentoring Program fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for local politics among the youth. This event highlighted the significance of civic engagement and empowered the boys to be active contributors to their communities

Bro. William Poston facilitating during the breakout sessions

Bro. Dino Bills educating our boys on encouraging their families for voter registration

Bro. Anthony Webb and Bro. Josh Lubatkin facilitating breakout sessions

Alderman Bro. Sam Bradford explains the process of creating local government ordinances