VALDOSTA — The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC), in partnership with The Game Changers with Angela Ward, has announced an upcoming Meet the Candidates event.

This event presents an invaluable opportunity for the community to connect with local leaders and gain insight into the candidates running for various positions in the upcoming election.

The event will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Valdosta City Hall Annex, 300 N. Lee St. It will include insightful question and answer sessions with the candidates, opportunities for networking with fellow community members and light refreshments.

Confirmed candidates include:

Scott James Matheson.

J.D. Rice.

Fallon Harris.

Yurshema Flanders.

Vivian Miller Cody.

Tim Carroll.

Bill Love.

Alvin Payton.

Nick Harden.

Edgar Tooley.

Tyra Howard.

Jason Deloach.

Candidates who’ve been invited but haven’t yet confirmed include Tad Moseley, Thomas McIntyre and India Bell.

Organizers said the event will provide the community with the chance to learn more about the candidates, their visions for the region, and their plans for addressing key issues such as education, economic development, healthcare access, and community safety.

Moderator Angela Ward, of The Game Changers with Angela Ward, shared her excitement about the event: “I am honored to moderate this important forum where our community can directly engage with the candidates. It’s an opportunity to gain deeper insights into their platforms and visions for our region.”

The Meet the Candidates event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. According to the SGBC, the event is a unique chance to directly engage with those vying to represent the Valdosta community, ask questions, and make informed decisions at the polls.

Kimberly Grisson-Dixon, VP of Events & Programs for the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, expressed her enthusiasm for the event: “We believe that informed voters are key to a thriving community. Our Meet the Candidates event is designed to provide residents with firsthand knowledge of the individuals who may lead our region. We encourage everyone to join us for this insightful evening.”

The event format will not be a debate; rather, it will follow a conversational, panel format, allowing attendees to connect with candidates in a relaxed setting.

Light refreshments will be provided for attendees, generously sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated® Kappa Tau Lambda Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Kappa Eta Omega Chapter and Kappa Upsilon Chapter. The SGBC extends its gratitude to these organizations for their support.

For more information about the Meet the Candidates event, please visit www.sgablackchambers.org/events.