Martin Luther King, Jr. said, " We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now ." That quote was particularly appropriate on Saturday, August 20, 2016 as the rain was pouring down. Despite the rain, approximately 100 Democrats met at Paul Quinn College for the Unity Rally, sponsored by the Dallas County Democratic Party (DCDP) and the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats (TCBD-Dallas). The event was  co-hosted by over 20 clubs and organizations, and about 40 elected officials attended.

 

The Rally was a great, unifying event. Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell honored us by serving as emcee. The rally speakers included Senator Royce West, State Representative Helen Giddings, County Commissioner Elba Garcia, Judge Tina Yoo Clinton, Judge Brandon Birmingham, TCBD-Dallas President Audrey Moorehead and myself. Refreshments were served, and the motivational remarks of our elected officials were concluded with the inspiring remarks of President Sorrell and a raffle of numerous items, including a Donald Trump piñata.

 

The Unity Rally was a first for the DCDP. The event was particularly appropriate since the Democratic Party is the party of inclusion. The event was also timely, considering the divisive, hateful remarks that have been made this past year by the Republican presidential nominee. The DCDP is proud of our diversity, amongst the precinct chairs, the committee chairs, DCDP officers, and the DCDP staff. The appointed officers include both males and females and representatives of the African-American, Anglo and Hispanic communities. The DCDP staff includes individuals who are: male and female, straight and gay, young and older, of different religions, and African-Americans, Anglos, Asians, and Hispanics.

 

 

All-Democrat

 

At the Rally, Judge Tina Yoo Clinton noted the importance of welcoming, not only persons of different races and bi-racial individuals, but also persons who are multi-racial. Coincidently, the day after the Rally, the Dallas Morning News featured, on the front page, an article on this subject, entitled "Diversification of America - The Face of Change; Census Racial Categories Aren't So Black and White." One of the individuals featured in this article was former Dallas Arts District Executive Director Catherine Cuellar. She described herself as "part Anglo, part Hispanic, all Texan." Fellow Democrats, I assert to you that we adopt Ms. Cuellar's philosophy, with a slight twist to our advantage. From now on, if someone is "Half-Hispanic" or "Half-Black" or "Half-Asian" or "Half-Anglo," or Half-Anything, let us welcome them into the Party as "All Democrat." We will all be better for it.

 

 

Strength in Numbers

 

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign slogan is "We're stronger together." That goes for the local Party as well. For 10 years, Dallas Democrats have won, and defended, our Democratic foothold in local county races. Newly elected Dallas County Republican Party Chairman Phillip Huffines (twin brother of State Senator Don Huffines) has proclaimed that "Democrats are the enemy," and that the Republicans are going to take back Dallas County. Let's show Mr. Huffines that it isn't as simple as he thinks. It's not enough to just throw money at every race. Let's show him that we, Democrats, are willing to roll up our sleeves and do what we need to do to help our candidates win. We show support through financial contributions too, but we are also willing to make phone calls, knock on doors and make a difference in our neighborhoods, from the grassroots up. Here's how you can help: