A Letter from James Cogar: Updates for the Gregg County Dems

GREGG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
PO BOX 1011, Longview TX 75606 903 295-4040

greggcountydemocrats.com

Hello all, welcome to February and don't be too down, it will warm up soon. And that leads me into my first topic for the day, the environment.

For those of you who are or are not scientists but share my concern about the future, I would let you know that here in Longview, we have a group who are working on that subject with respect to the climate. That would be the SIGNS Committee who meet twice a month, at noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. We can always use more members who are interested in the issues of environmental justice, alternate and sustainable energy sources, clean air and water, etc. If you are such an individual, please join us at Tammy Cromer-Campbell's studio on Center St and lend a hand. Also I would direct you to insideclimatenews.org which has many stories about what is happening in the world of energy, climate change, activist activity, and has won a Pulitzer Prize for reporting. This is not some "tree hugger" site, but one that is filled with good information. Check it out.

Next, my usual plea for you to join me and the GCDP. We still need precinct chairs, committee members for the fund raising, outreach, and planning committees so there is always something that will interest you I am sure.

A couple of announcements of upcoming events that I want to mention.

First the play "FootSwitch" will be performed on February 14th at the Longview Community Center, with both matinee and evening performances. This play deals with the 1919 Longview race riots that was sparked by the love affair between a black man and a white woman. It is based on true events so if you are interested in Longview/East Texas history, race relations, or just good theatre, hope to see you there. Tickets are available at Divine Catering, La'Chelles, and Longview Fitness at very reasonable prices.

Second, the NAACP candidates' forum date has been set for April 16th at Broughton. We have two candidates for mayor, so far, as well as races for three city council seats. This is a great opportunity to hear from the candidates before the election in May.

Finally, thanks to all who were able to turn out for the Community Unity rally on Friday evening at the Heritage Plaza. So much sadness recently that a show of unity was a welcome change.

And one last thing, does anyone else but me wonder why nothing is ever reported in the LNJ about the source or location of the firearm that was used when a murder occurs?

Juneteenth and Gay Pride Events Highlight Freedom and Happiness

From the Left, by James L. Cogar

Yesterday, June 21st, I saw something in Longview I can't remember seeing before. I saw a level of happiness that exceeded any I have ever seen since arriving in East Texas 22 years ago.

As chair of the Gregg County Democratic Party, I attended two events. The first was the Juneteenth Celebration at Broughton Park and then went to Heritage Plaza to see the first Longview Gary Pride celebration. In many ways, both celebrations were similar. Each was a chance for participants to exhibit and display the joy of their culture and opportunity afforded to citizens of the United States to be who they are and share that joy with friends and loved ones. Each event was unique in that only in this country can such celebrations occur.

At Juneteenth, the park was filled with families commemorating the arrival in Texas of the news that

slavery had come to an end in our great state. Music, food, dress and dance were all on display as hundreds participated to mark the historic occasion. A great emancipation had taken place back in 1865, and descendants of those former slaves, both spiritual and actual, gathered to not only remember that day but to mark the progress that has occurred since. They not only used the day to celebrate the righting of a great wrong but to showcase the milestones that has taken place since. The pride and happiness was palatable and much deserved.

Later in the afternoon, I traveled just a few miles to downtown Longview and witnessed much of the same joy as our city hosted its first Gay Pride celebration. Once again, a segment of our society that has been subjected to discrimination and injustice was free to show the city the progress our nation has made and is continuing to make. People were free to express themselves as who they are and showcase their love for their partners. Supported by family and supporters, members of the LBGT community proudly proclaimed that emancipation from fear and ignorance was just around the corner, if not already here.

If you were there at either or both events, I know that you could see in the faces of all participants a sense of freedom that was almost palpable. Next year's Juneteenth and Gay Pride celebrations may not be on the same day, but it is my most fervent hope and prayer that each will be even more successful and joyous than this year's but that will be a tough act to follow.

See also publication in the Longview News Journal, June 22, 2014

Add your name to fight LGBT discrimination: Fight for Equality. 

Juneteenth Celebration Events: Volunteers Needed

The GCDP will be participating in Longview's Juneteenth festivities. We need volunteers to walk in the parade and some help in manning a booth we are sharing with battleground Texas.

The celebrations take place, Saturday June 21st, starting at 10:00am. The parade will last an hour, and the shifts at the table will be 2 hours.   

We will be able to register people and (hopefully) we will have a practice voting machine so those who are not familiar with it can practice. 

Please confirm how you can help 

by emailing Jim Cogar, JLCOGAR3@aol.com

or by phone at 903 295-4040. 

Let's make this a real turnout and show the county we are here and vibrant. 

Additional information:

Join the

NAACP Facebook Event!

The parade will begin at Ryder Drive and proceed north on MLK to Broughton Park. Line up time is 9:00 am. Each parade entrant will be given a lineup number at the time of registration. Registration is $5.00 and can be picked up from Broughton Recreation Center. To call ahead dial 903-237-1276.

The parade will be immediately followed by the Community Wide Picnic in the Park. It will be hot, but we all will be cool! Just another Community Collaboration. Get ready for those Turkey Legs, Burgers, Fried Catfish, and Snow Cones.