Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, will convene the 98th session of the Southern California Annual Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 23, at the LAX Hilton Hotel, 5711 W Century Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Pastor Darryl Walker and the members of New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach will host the conference.
On Friday, October 21, the So. California Lay Organization will lead a Voter Education Town Hall at 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom to ensure that every potential voter is educated and prepared to vote. The AME Church’s AMEV-Alert, co-chaired by Lena Kennedy, is partnering with Black Voters Matter to ensure that every eligible voter is touched. The theme is “It’s Our Watch.”
The program will include information about the voting process – post COVID, the equity challenge to Black and brown communities and the entire ballot.
“The issues and candidates on the November 8, 2022 ballot can make a difference in the quality of lives in this community, city, county, and state,” said SCCLO President, Mrs. Linda Smith. “Under Bishop Fugh’s leadership, education is the focus for Lay Witness Night, and nothing is needed more than an educated electorate.”
“The discussion will highlight the voting process led by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the challenges for Black candidates led by California Board of Equalization chair Malia Cohen, expectations of an AME Church member candidate led by Joyce Randle, the need for equity and inclusion led by Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson and ballot propositions,” added program chair, Dr. Dorothy Vails Weber.
Candidates on the ballot who are in attendance will be introduced. Also, information tables will provide more voter education, especially with regard to techniques to intercede if any voter suppression and intimidation practices take place.
Special parking rates are available. For more information, contact the office of Bishop Fugh at (310) 577-8530 or Dr. Vails Weber at (619) 316-4439.
