KAPPA NEWS: LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Guide Right Relationship Leads to a Life of Shared Service to the Community, Mentor: Lawrence Weekly, a Clark County Commissioner
Q: What was it like growing up in Nevada?
others and my community. Several years later I was sworn in as a City Councilman (2000) and in 2007 I became Clark County Commissioner.
Growing up in Nevada has had its many challenges like any other community in this country. Discrimination, unemploy- ment, violence and education dispari- ties, but I must say that through it all, this “Mirage in the Desert” has afforded me many great opportunities to achieve success. College life for me was extremely chal- lenging. Not being exposed to higher education or college graduates in my community, gave a slow start of adjust- ing to how to accomplish goals. Once, I latched onto some great mentors at Grambling State University, the sky was the limit for me. College life was the thing that ever happened to me. I found my voice, a sense of direction and confidence I had never know. Hanging out with some friends during undergrad, I remember picking up a journal on the desk and started read- ing about the outstanding service this fraternity provided around the world. Then to see the caliber of Kappa Men on our campus and how they conducted themselves was very inspiring to me. I know then, Kappa changes lives for the betterment of mankind. Q: Did you always want to return back to Nevada after college? /Did you know that you wanted to be in public service? After graduating from undergrad in Louisiana, I returned back to Las Vegas, because my mother passed away. I knew I to make a life for myself because my Mom was gone and all I has was me. I prayed and asked God to direct my life and allow me to work to be a blessing to Q: What was college life like? Q: How did you find Kappa Alpha Psi ® ?
Q: Describe how you set your agenda upon being appointed to the City Council Ward 5 position.
I was serving as assistant to a City Councilman at the time and the Nevada State Legislature was in session. They passed a bill to expand our City Council and add to additional seats. With me working with the Mayor and Council on a daily basis, they thought I would make a perfect fit and voted unanimously for me to be the new Councilman for Ward 5. Q: What were your priorities when you were appointed to County Commission? (What were the circumstances of the appointment?) In 2007, the Governor of Nevada selected me to complete an unfinished term as a County Commissioner. In 2008, I ran for re-election and won by 85% of the votes. I know Economic Development, Small Business Growth, Senior Services, Youth Outreach and Public Safety were my top priorities. We have been very blessed to make a major difference in my District and I enjoy my job every day.
Q: What are you most proud of in terms of your public service to date?
I can drive around Clark County (Las Vegas) and see so many projects I have helped to make possible. To be the first African American in a number of boards is a great feeling. I believe my greatest joy is to what I believe is God’s work…Serve to make my home, better than it was before I assumed my position.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy playing tennis a lot. I could play every day if my sched- ule would allow, Spending time with my family, doing Commu- nity Service and working with the Las Vegas Kappa League (The Elite Chapter).
Q: What advice would you give to undergraduates who may want a career in public service?
There are so many words of advice I could offer, because I know how it feels to want something so bad and feel like you’re stand- ing in quicksand. Hold-Fast to your dreams my young brothers. Believe in you and know that God answers prayers. Keep the Faith and continue to Achieve in every field of human endeavor.
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
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