The NAACP Hickory Branch will host a candidates' forum for Hickory City Council Ward 5 primary candidates on Monday, September 15th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, located at 52 16th Avenue NW, Hickory, NC.

The forum will provide Hickory voters with an opportunity to meet the candidates running in the upcoming primary election scheduled for October 7th, 2025. The event will feature a moderated discussion panel where candidates will present their platforms and engage with community members about issues affecting the local area.

Primary candidates who will participate in the panel include Arnita Dula, Kevin Gaylord, Joshua Ledford, Taylor Newton, and David Zagaroli. The event is free and open to all interested community members. No registration is required.