The NAACP's Ypsilanti-Willow Run branch is hosting a candidate forum Thursday evening for city council candidates running for office in Wards 1 and 3.
Tooson said the Black Caucus had a meet and greet last Saturday but the NAACP decided to host a separate event. The event will be held at the Parkridge Community Center's gymnasium located at 591 Armstrong Dr.
The NAACP expects all of the candidates to show up for the forum.
Tooson said the forum is important because there are concerns throughout the community regarding the direction the city is going. Tooson said personally he has concerns of “separatism.”
“The council itself is separated and there is discrimination that goes on," he said. “These people are supposed to represent us.”
Tooson said the NAACP hopes the forum “sheds light” on issues and allows potential voters to determine who they believe is the best representative for their ward. The organization passed out more than 200 fliers and is hopeful at least 50 people show up.
“Come out and question these candidates that are running,” he said. “Speak and shed some light on the truth.”
Katrease Stafford covers the city of Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2548 or KatreaseStafford@annarbor.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @KatreaseS.