YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mayor-elect Derrick McDowell will be the keynote speaker at the Robert’s Deliberating Club’s Founders Day celebration Dec. 20.
The event, which honors the history and legacy of the African American men who stood together to support the community through turbulent and stressful times, will take place at 2 p.m. at the event center at Charlie Staples Pitt Boss, 372 W. Rayen Ave.
The public is invited to attend the event. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from a current club member or at the event center.
During the event, the club will present four $1,000 scholarships – two for Youngstown State University students and one each for University of Cincinnati and Strayer University students.
“In addition to honoring our founders and legacy, we will be announcing new initiatives, including an oratorical contest with significant cash awards for Valley students,” Rev. Sean Tucker, incoming club president, said in a news release.
Established in 1920 as a forum for studying Robert’s Rules of Order, the club evolved into “a beacon of intellectual growth and community engagement,” according to its website. In addition to honoring the legacy and life of its members – and surviving widows – the club provides training and instruction on parliamentary procedures, laws and constitutional construction.