Change Gonna Come: African-American Democratic Leaders Gather in Sarasota

Democratic Black Caucus Holds 26th Annual State Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida is holding its 26^th Annual State Convention this weekend in Sarasota with the timely theme, "Change Gonna Come."

Open to the public, the Convention will feature Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen L. Thurman, Congressional District 13 Candidate Christine Jennings and Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman, among other notable Democrats.

Presidential politics is on everybody's mind, and the campaigns are each sending a dynamic ambassador to present their case.  U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) will speak on behalf of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) will represent U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton. Castor will also update attendees on the latest from the Democratic Congress.

"For over a half of a century, African American Democrats have gathered in Florida to develop a communal vision for the direction of our party. This year's historic election is a testament to that work and our involvement within the Party. History will be made this November," Honorary Chairman of the Convention U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Miami) said. 

"From the grassroots to the leadership, African Americans are deeply involved in the Democratic Party because it is the party that fights to improve neighborhood schools, reduce the cost of health care, and make the economy work for everybody," Party Executive Director Leonard Joseph said. "Republicans can try to deceive and distort, but their recent history of suppressing the African American vote in Florida and their string of reckless policies make it crystal clear they don't stand with us."

In the past year, 20,000 new African American voters have joined the Democratic Party in Florida while the Republican Party has lost almost 2,000 African American voters, despite spending an unprecedented amount on public relations.

Last week, the Miami Herald reported on an example of the GOP's so-called "outreach," an offensive and deceitful publication that associates images of the KKK with Democrats and falsely claims that the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican.

The convention is organized by the Black Caucus Leadership and the Sarasota-Manatee Host Committee. More than a hundred Black Democratic leaders are expected to attend throughout the weekend.