Georgia on my mind

Ok so yeah I jumped at the first opportunity to get back to Atlanta. Joe L. Reed of the Alabama Democratic Conference held a meeting for southern black democrats. There was a small crowd but it included Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin and Rev. Al Sharpton . The discussion was based primarily on the qualities that the group wanted in a chair for the DNC as well as the DNC black caucus. DNC chair Candidate, Don Fowler spoke to the group. I was actually impressed with Mr. Fowler. His youthfulness can appeal to young America and keep them engaged. The one thing that stuck with me was his statement, "elections cannot be won in Washington" which is so true. We have to get away from the political consultants and pound the pavement to get our voters out. DNC vice-chair candidate, Marjorie Fields-Harris also spoke to the group. She is a sharpton protege and will make an excellent vice chair.

The dynamic of the group was amazing. On one end of the table you had an older group of blacks who were very active in the civil rights era. On the other end you have a somewhat younger group of blacks who were born during the time but too young to remember much of the civil rights movement so there are different perspectives. Then there was a handful (including me) who weren't born anywhere near that era and have a totally different view of issues that are important. I think these discussions may not end up with direct results but we all come out learning a little bit about different generations.