BROTHERS SPOTLIGHT
BROTHER ARNOLD WESTBROOK, JR.
B
WAS APPOINTED TO INTERIM CITY COUNCILOR FOR PETERSBURG IN WARD 7
rother Arnold Westbrook Jr (2-99-Delta Omega) was sworn in and appointed as the Interim City Councilor for Petersburg in Ward 7 on November 16th, 2021. The City of Petersburg City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to appoint Brother Westbrook as the interim councilor to succeed former councilor, John Hart. Brother Westbrook has an extensive background in education, as he is a Professor in Virginia State University’s English Department and works with students in the Honors College. Prior to working at Virginia State University, Brother Westbrook worked for the City of Petersburg, Virginia, where he instructed and mentored students in all aspects of life. Brother Westbrook’s talents stem from a line of educators, including his father, who was a professor at Virginia State University, and his mother taught at the City of Petersburg Public Schools for many years. Brother Westbrook acknowledges one of his greatest achievements is creating the #crownHIM initiative for Black Male empowerment. Brother Westbrook has also worked with at-risk youth through the Trio Upward Initiative since 2011. Brother Westbrook earned his master’s degree in American and English Literature at Virginia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics from Morehouse College. City of Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham credits Brother Westbrook with “having the experience, commitment, and passion needed as we move Petersburg forward.” Mayor Parham also Page 12
mentioned Brother Westbrook being a collaborator with a vision; born and raised in Petersburg, VA and remained involved in the community by mentoring our youth and serving as Chairman of the Social Services Advisory Board.” Brother Westbrook introduced himself as a member of First Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA, where he was baptized. He currently attends Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. Brother Westbrook identified three specific areas where he wants to be impactful - the first being education, which is nested with the fraternity’s cardinal principle of Scholarship. Brother Westbrook also wants to help residents get access to services they need for daily life. Finally, Brother Westbrook wants to push economic development amid Petersburg’s growing profile. Brother Westbrook has other objectives to accomplish during his tenure in the Petersburg, VA City Council. He stated during a recent interview, “I am committed to helping grow Petersburg and improve quality of life for all; to love something, as I do Petersburg, you must give of yourself and stay dedicated to community service and residents.” Brother Westbrook thanks Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Brothers of Delta Omega for helping him become the man he is today. He currently serves on multiple committees that focus on uplifting the community and teaching how to conduct professional and effective meetings. Brother Westbrook acknowledges that he is ready for his new position.
