The Richmond Crusade for Voters, the city’s oldest political organization, has announced a series of public forums to be held in August, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for mayor, City Council and the School Board.

The first forum will feature five of the city’s mayoral candidates, according to a press release and is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug.1, at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Jackson Ward. City Council member Andreas Addison, Danny Avula, former council president Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett and Harrison Roday have been invited to participate. 

Subsequent forums for City Council and School Board candidates will be held at the same location on Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, respectively. All forums are set to run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Bernice E. Travers, chair of the Crusade’s Research Committee, emphasized the importance of these events. “Our mission is to help educate the voters,” Travers stated. “These forums are one way we are carrying on that mission nearly 70 years after our founding.”

The forums are open to the public, offering Richmond residents a chance to gain a better understanding of the candidates and their positions on key issues facing the city.

Following the public forums, the Crusade’s membership will convene Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Club 533 in Jackson Ward. At this meeting, they will consider endorsements for the upcoming election, scheduled for Nov. 5.

These forums come at a crucial time as Richmond prepares to elect its next mayor, City Council members, and School Board representatives. For more information about the forums or the Richmond Crusade for Voters, visit richmondcrusadeforvoters.org.