On June 19th, 1865, the last Confederate community of enslaved Americans in Galveston learned they were free. For years informal celebrations of this historic event took place within America’s Black communities. And in 2021 President Joe Biden rightly memorialized Juneteenth by declaring it a national holiday. (Thank you President Biden, as he continues to deliver on “Promises made, Promises kept”!)
This weekend, get ready to attend the 2024 La Grange Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, 11 am for the Parade and after at the Randolph Center in La Grange. While you are there, stop by and visit the Fayette County Democratic Party “Happy Juneteenth” booth while enjoying the festivities. Come support “Unity in the Community”, the vision statement of the La Grange Juneteenth Committee, certainly a value shared by our Democratic Party.
A few highlights from last year!
JUNETEENTH EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!
Friday, June 14, 6 pm - Gospel Music Night at the Randolph Center, 653 E Pearl St, La Grange, Free Will Donations for admission. Featuring music by:
La Grange’s own Debra Steward and her soulful voice
Gospel Music Groups: New Soul Invaders / New Identity / Soul Invaders
Saturday, June 15, 11 am - GRAND PARADE - Starting at 11 am at the La Grange H-E-B located at 450 E. Travis St., La Grange. Line up starts at 9:30 a.m.
After the Parade / Back to the Randolph Center, 12 pm, for:
A BBQ lunch with all the trimmings
All sorts of booths from local groups, including FCDP, stop by to say “Hi”
Sunday, June 16, 1 pm - COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP SERVICES At The Randolph Center located at 653 E. Pearl St, La Grange
Did you know the Texas Democratic Party Convention happened last week? Here’s a quick recap:
An Abbreviated Report from the 2024 Convention of the Texas Democratic Party - from Becky Schenker
The Texas Democratic Party held its convention in El Paso this past weekend. Goodness me, I drove the whole way!!!
What happens at convention?
We vote on party business and we listen to a LOT of speeches. Here's a smorgasbord. Click some of these links and at least watch a few seconds - it's great to see our leadership do their job!
US Representative Veronica Escobar, Dem from El Paso, was Convention Co-Chair. She was everywhere, I saw her speak four times! Her energy, polish, and messaging were awe-inspiring.
The most heartfelt speech came from a non-politician. Amanda Zurawski is a young woman who, though terrifyingly close to death, was denied a necessary abortion by the the Texas Supreme Court. She and others are now suing the State of Texas. There's no video of her convention presentation, so here's her story, as told to MSNBC. This is one story, among many, about the murderous actions our young women are experiencing at the hands of our elected officials.
I listened to Texas Senator Wendy Davis twice. She brought me to tears.
Extra Credit
For the political junkies among you, a few more of the politicos who really impressed me:
Gina Hinojosa is the Austin representative to the Texas Legislature and boy, she makes you proud to be a Democrat.
Texas Representative James Talarico has been everywhere this election cycle. We love him! It looks like he's got plans to run for statewide office sometime soon.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1392783454564397
It was late, and the hall was getting kinda empty by the time Dallas’ area United States Representative Jasmine Crockett hit the floor, so instead, here is her feisty self talking to the crew on the View on ABC. She is so smart, refreshing, and a total delight.
Then there was Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer. It seems clear that she will be on the national stage in the near future. She's dynamite.
In other news, the rural caucus is arranging for yard signs to be delivered throughout the state, the Dallas morning news had nice things to say about our Party Platform (It's behind a paywall, but from the Washington Post, here's a link about the wacko Texas Republican platform that will be good for a couple of weeks); and I actually enjoyed the long drive through west Texas.
See you at the next Democratic Party gathering!
And for Extra, Extra Credit (brought to my attention by our County Chair, Mary Wolf): Here is another inspiring speech from the Convention given by Charlotte Clymer, Texas Democrat and activist, who delivered an absolutely uplifting homage to the General Assembly and those watching live stream, “a Texas love letter”, definitely worth sharing with you here:
Sunday, June 16th - Happy Father’s Day! Tell him he did great - You turned out perfect!
Thursday, June 20, 11:30 am - Democratic Neighbors Luncheon - Beat the heat, take a well deserved break, and chill out with an ice cold margarita as we return to La Marina Mexican Restaurant, 1502 St Hwy 71, La Grange. Nothing beats in-person connection, we hope to see you next Thursday.
Thursday, June 21, 8-12 pm - Mac’s Daqs Bar & Lounge, 108 W Colorado St, La Grange - Juneteenth Celebration. Order a “Specialty Drink” with portion of proceeds donated to the La Grange Juneteenth Committee. Music by DJ Rusty. It’s gonna be fun, see you there!
CALLING ALL FAYETTE COUNTY DEMOCRATS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
And that’s all folks, for now….November 5th will be here before we know it and we have work to do, so think about how you can help elect Democrats and stop Trump and Trumpism!! Just showing up for events is a “statement” of support in itself.
Thanks for reading! Remember to Like, Comment, and Share. Cheers!
Visit our website at: https://www.fayettetxdemocrats.org/ and email us at:
Sigue la lucha y hasta luego! - Annette
Good Job, Annette!
I hate that we can't join you this Saturday but CODA has a booth at the Bastrop Co. Juneteenth event that day. But I do hope to see you at lunch on the 20th!