The Southeastern Live Well Center was the location for a powerful discussion last Saturday afternoon, presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon XI Omega Chapter.
These two organizations brought out five of our local elected officials who happen to be African American.
The event filled the community room with Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, Assemblymember, California State Legislature; Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, State Senator, California State Legislature; Marcus Bush, Vice Mayor, City of National City, CA; Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Board Trustee, San Diego Unified School District; and Henry Foster, City of San Diego City Councilmember. They all had stories of mentors, some public service, and a desire to change their communities.
It was very interesting that, while each talked about the need to get involved as a step toward public service, no one spoke of public service being a by-product of a real commitment to service because service was needed.
There was much discussion about the need to get young people involved with the many issues confronting our communities. There is certainly a need for more such events.
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