Day of "Inclusion" Did Not Include the Harris County Democratic Party

[WestHoustonDem]

The media billed this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Grande Parade held on Monday, January 16th in downtown Houston as an event of "inclusion." Charles Stamps, Executive Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Foundation, was under court orders to collaborate with the Black Heritage Society, another parade organization who organized past MLK parades. Unfortunately, the media did not cover the story about Stamps denying the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP) the opportunity to participate in the celebration of one of our nation's greatest civil rights leaders.

More at http://www.houstondemocrats.com/archives/2006/01/day_of_inclusio.html

[merci_me]

1. I've been waiting to hear the background....

it seemed to get buried for a few days.

I wish I would have known about Alma Allen and Goodwill Pierre not marching. I saw both of them at Meyerland Democrats that night. I would have given each of them a big "thank you" hug.

[WestHoustonDem]

2. I just got the whole story myself. And of course it had to

be wordsmithed by committee before I could release it.

[merci_me]

3. I can imagine

the wording, re-wording, hair tugging that went on putting it together. I think we all knew what a delicate situation it was and that's why for the most part, everyone just waited and didn't shake any trees, trying to get the story.

[sonias]

4. Wow not that's not very nice

You know candidates can be very respectful in their support. Boy if they were that strict with the Austin parade a good third of the crowd would drop off. The main organizers here in Austin are very political. Every politician in the area practically gets a chance to speak. Of course this being Austin, that would make sense.

But still even individual parties like the Green party and the Travis Democrats carry their party banners. It's a show of support and respect for MKL Jr. It's a day of re-commitment to his goals of peace and equality.

So sorry to hear that. Sounds like you need to mediate the event before next year.

Sonia