FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read will recognize National Black Man Voter Day at a free public event on Saturday at George Mason University. The event will feature local officials, alumni, and community leaders who will discuss voting and civic participation.
The event, "Voices to the Polls: Engaging Black Men, Empowering Communities," will take place Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m. at Merten Hall on the university's Fairfax campus.
Read, a George Mason alumna, will present a proclamation recognizing Oct. 24 as National Black Man Voter Day in the City of Fairfax.
The event coincides with the inaugural nationwide National Black Man Voter Day, an initiative organized by a coalition including the NAACP, National Urban League, and 100 Black Men of America. The coalition aims to mobilize 100,000 Black men for civic participation ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The Fairfax event will feature a nonpartisan panel discussion focused on voting, civic engagement and participation among Black men.
Panelists include Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk, retired Army Col. and poll officer Philip Wilkerson Jr., and several George Mason alumni and student leaders.
Philip Wilkerson, an employer engagement consultant with George Mason University's Career Services office, will moderate the discussion.
Other scheduled panelists include Renard Carlos, a mayoral candidate and George Mason alumnus; John Daniels, a law student and Mason alumnus; Cam Portis, a university student leader; and Kevin Glover, district director of VACAPAF.
Organizers said the discussion will be nonpartisan and will not endorse candidates or direct attendees on how to vote.
The proclamation and panel discussion will run from 5-6 p.m., followed by a reception and networking opportunity from 6-7 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, with registration available online.
Attendees can register through Eventbrite.
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