Duval County was among the bevy of voters who helped Barack Obama make history as the first U.S. President Elect of color. In anticipation and celebration of the election outcome, over seven hundred voters joined the Ritz Theater, Jacksonville Free Press, Sen. Tony Hill, the Hester Group and the International Longshoreman’s Association at their party in the historic Ritz Theater. The evenings festivities were highlighted by a live DJ, free food, live entertainment, discussion topics and prayer. The affair culminated with a prayer, singing of the National Negro Anthem and a champagne toast. Shown above are the event’s hosts: Carol Alexander, Rita perry, Hester Clark, Sen. Tony Hill and Vincent Cameron after the announcement that Barack Obama had sealed the electoral votes to become our next president.
History in Motion (H.I.M) - the theme coined by Ritz Theater and Lavilla Museum Executive Director Carol Alexander, set the tone for an estimated five hundred plus crowd to watch the election tallies come in during the country’s most historic election to date. With great anticipation, smiles, tears and joy met the announcement that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United states of America. Throughout the evening which was free and open to the community, the Ritz Theater produced event was co-hosted by the Jacksonville Free Press, Sen. Tony Hill, the Hester Group and the International Longshoreman’s Association. Guests were welcome to roam the historic museum and watch civil rights documentaries, watch results on the big screen, discuss a variety of “table topics” and even do the Electric Slide. Continued
Shown above congratulating Mr. Wilmer Odoms (center) are (L-R) Cong. Corrine Brown, Sen. Tony Hill, Councilwoman Mia Jones and Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.
Employees of the Duval County Elections office are working a lot of overtime these days. Coupled with the combined efforts of area elected officials and a continued commitment to the community to "make every vote count", an unprecedented "get out to vote effort" has taken place in Jacksonville. Last weekend the Elections office hosted a massive rally in conjunction with area elected officials that registered a record 1,100 plus new voters in one day alone. Also on the agenda was clemency for former offenders. In a mission lead by Sen. Tony Hill, former offenders could receive on-the-spot attention for their petition to have their voting rights restored. Thanks to a bill signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, persons who have previously been convicted of felonies may now be eligible to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office and apply for certain occupational licenses. Continued
Pictured (L-R) are Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker and Miss Edward Waters College '08-'09 Mercedes Bryant at Edward Waters College, the first stop in Whitaker's tour of Florida's colleges and universities, promoting Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's campaign and "Change We Need" Voter Registration Drive.
02.OCT.08
by M. Latimer Hollywood A-list director and Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker recently added political activist to his lengthy list of roles. This past weekend, the talented performer used his "gift for gab" and passion for social justice to promote the campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, touring college and university campuses throughout the State of Florida. Whitaker "kicked off" his Florida tour with a stop at Edward Waters College. Continued
MMM Delivers With Dignity to City’s Underserved
Shown above is Charles Taylor selecting clothing items, he considers himself one of the working poor.
02.OCT.08
Some were hungry, some needed clothes, but all were welcome. All 400 plus of them. The call to participate in the Million More Movement's latest clothes and food give-away was one of the largest events to date. Held in the urban core off of Myrtle Avenue, anyone in need is encouraged to come and take their choice of free clean quality clothes and a hot meal courtesy of the all volunteer organization. Composed of men and women from all walks of life, the group was brought together after the Millions More March in 2005. Since then the group, represented in various cities, works to better the lives of others. For more information about the organization, visit their website at www.jaxloc.com ,or call at 904-240-9133.
