Black Sororities and Fraternities Host Candidates Forum: Empowering Voters

The crowd at Mt Sinai Baptist ChurchPhoto bythe Brown Report Newspaper.

Cleveland, OHIO. - If anyone was looking for a sorority or fraternity to pledge, tonight was the evening to garner resources. Local leaders of black organizations gathered this evening to host a candidates' forum.

With early voting starting on February 21, 2024, and the primary election on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, voters must know who is worthy of their vote.

"This evening, we have the candidate's forum. Every candidate on the ballot was invited; no one was excluded. Most of the candidates confirmed while some did not. We will welcome them if they show," said organizer County Councilwoman Meredith Turner of District 9. "We have an informative program. First, we will serve dinner, then go to the sanctuary for the forum. We want people to meet the candidates, ask questions, and be informed voters," added Turner.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance. Quite a few appeared to members of the organizing groups, candidates, supporters, and many family members. Campaign literature was distributed to individuals and tossed on tables for the curious latecomers.

Candidate for County Prosecutor Matthew AhnPhoto byThe Brown Report Newspaper.

As we watched candidates work the room, some had no shame, not shy. They were bold with their approach as they greeted likely voters. "I am running for Common Pleas Judge. I have no competitors. Thank you for being here today," said Judicial Candidate Lauren C. Moore. Judge Moore is currently a Cleveland Municipal Judge (20 years). Judge Nancy Russo's volunteers flooded the room. One in particular, Darrell Houston. "I'd like for you to meet Judge Russo. She's fair on the bench and will do whatever she can to help. Anyone within the legal capacity of the law. I am a living testimony." Houston advocated that we need to keep her on the bench.

Mike O'Malley, County ProsecutorPhoto bythe Brown Report Newspaper.

There appeared to be many candidates in the room. A few candidates stood out from the crowd. They were newcomer Judicial Candidate Joy Kennedy, County Prosecutor Candidates Matthew Ahn and Mike O'Malley, Ohio House District 21 Candidate Angel Washington, and District 22 Candidate Darnell Brewer.

Judicial Candidate Joy Kennedy and a voterPhoto bythe Brown Report Newspaper.

The Primary election is Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Polls open at 6:30 am. Voters who will vote in this election should contact their local election board for the polling location.