DPVA Quarterly Meetings – Feb 19 & 20
The Democratic Party of Virginia Steering and Central Committees will hold their first meetings of 2016 on February 19th, 7:30 pm, and February 20th, at… Read More »DPVA Quarterly Meetings – Feb 19 & 20
History
Virginia Bookshelf Update
Finally put down my Ipad long enough to read a couple of Virginia history books and update the Virginia Bookshelf Page – Focusing on, but… Read More »Virginia Bookshelf Update
#DNCSummer2014 – The Non-Rules Stuff
For the third straight year, I was able to enjoy my birthday with the the Democratic National Committee as it met in Atlanta for three… Read More »#DNCSummer2014 – The Non-Rules Stuff
Hon. John Lewis to Keynote Kennedy-King Dinner!
“Remembering the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington” Virginia’s 8th District Democratic Committee will hold its Kennedy-King Dinner to raise money for this fall’s statewide… Read More »Hon. John Lewis to Keynote Kennedy-King Dinner!
President Obama Addresses #MOW50
I was able to join the slightly soggy crowd on the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the 50th Anniversary March on Washington for for Jobs and… Read More »President Obama Addresses #MOW50
Letter from Birmingham Jail
50 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King wrote his letter from the Birmingham Alabama jail, explaining his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Here is the… Read More »Letter from Birmingham Jail
Kennedy King Dinner this Thursday!
The 18th Kennedy-King Dinner, sponsored by the 8th District Democratic Committee is the premier Northern Virginia Democratic Event – this year will be extra-special because it… Read More »Kennedy King Dinner this Thursday!
Civil Wars
What happens when the Center cannot hold, the Left can’t get its act together, the Revolution is betrayed, good people do nothing,… Read More »Civil Wars
Sacco & Vanzetti
Executed August 23, 1927.
Bob Brink on Virginia
Here’s a link to Del. Bob Brink’s (short) address at George Mason re education, the humanities, and finding common ground in Virginia. “Virginia is a… Read More »Bob Brink on Virginia
DPVA Black Caucus Juneteenth Celebration
One of the highlights of the June DPVA meetings is always the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia’s Juneteenth luncheon, and this year was no exception. Highlights… Read More »DPVA Black Caucus Juneteenth Celebration
Virginia Bookshelf: Civil War & Civil Rights
In response to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, I have added a new section… Read More »Virginia Bookshelf: Civil War & Civil Rights
The 1860 “Democratic Party” Conventions
As recounted in Douglas Egerton’s excellent book on the 1860 election, The Year of Meteors, the big issue in the election of 1860 was extension… Read More »The 1860 “Democratic Party” Conventions
Remembering Ray Colley
From 2001 to 2009, I was privileged to serve as the Vice Chair for Rules (2nd Vice Chair) of the Virginia Democratic Party, but when… Read More »Remembering Ray Colley
My Favorite Revolutionary War Snake
No, not that one. This one:
Petersburg VA Stop
On the way back from Spring Break 2011 in Florida, we stopped in Downtown Petersburg. Very quiet – especially on a sunday, but the old… Read More »Petersburg VA Stop
Happy 150th Birthday, United Italy
March 17, 2011 marks the sesquicentennial of the Risorgimento, the unification of modern Italy. The Italian Embassy website has information and a lists of events.
Va Bookshelf Update
It’s kind of like Jimmy Thudpucker collecting stamps by phone (“Belgium. That was fun, I’ll do France next.”), but Barnes and Noble has a new Rare… Read More »Va Bookshelf Update
Dr. King at UVa
In the spring of 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King came to the University of Virginia and spoke at Old Cabell Hall. The UVA Magazine has… Read More »Dr. King at UVa
JJ Weekend: Black History Presentation
A new addition to JJ weekend was a presentation by the Democratic Black Caucus on Richmond’s important black historical landmarks sites, chaired by DBC President Evelyn Morris-Harris. State Senator Henry Marsh and former Delegate Ferguson Reid shared their recollections and Party Chair Brian Moran presented former Delegate Jean Cunningham with a resolution thanking her for her work as Chair of the State Electoral Board. Sites include the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the State Capitol Grounds, and the Virginia Slavery Reconciliation Statue. Fortunately, and after many meetings, it was a beautiful day to go out and at least see the monuments. The Civil Rights memorial recalls the efforts of 16-year old Barbara Johns leading a protest of inferior educational facilities at the segregated Moten High School in Farmville in 1951; the resulting lawsuit was consolidated with Brown v. Board and led to the end of segregation. E.J. Scott discussed the Reconciliation statue, which with its companions in Liverpool, England and Benin, represents remembrance, reconciliation, and healing. Read on for Senator Marsh and Delegate Reid’s comments.Read More »JJ Weekend: Black History Presentation
The Desegregated Heart
I read this Sarah Patton Boyle’s personal account of her education about race and support for the struggle against segregation a few weeks ago, and… Read More »The Desegregated Heart
As I said, Nina’s got Haley’s number
In case you missed it, here’s the story of Gov. Barbor’s recollections of his local Citizens Council.
America’s First City
I headed to the August 2010 DNC meeting in St. Louis a bit early, crossed the River, and spent a fascinating day at the Cahokia… Read More »America’s First City
Looking in the Rear-View Mirror
At the recent Democratic Party of Virginia State Central Committee meeting, we recognized retiring Chair Richard Cranwell for his service to the Party. He spoke of the need to… Read More »Looking in the Rear-View Mirror