Message from the Vice Chair
As we reflect and observe the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans throughout American history, we recognize that there are still challenges ahead. From voter suppression to the failed passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, African American voters like myself are feeling marginalized, disappointed and just plain old tired. In this moment of discouragement, I encourage everyone to look to our ancestors to lead the way. One lesser known civil rights activist was James Howard Meredith. James Meredith was the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi in 1962. Despite repeated attempts to stop him from attending, Meredith persisted and graduated with a degree in political science. In 1966, he began his March Against Fear, where he attempted to walk from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi to promote black voter registration. On the second day of his walk, he was shot and injured by an unknown sniper. Other civil rights leaders, including Stokely Carmichael and Martin Luther King Jr. marched in his stead. Meredith recovered and found the strength to complete the last leg of the march.
As we prepare for this challenging year of getting out the vote, I encourage you to gather your strength not only from James Meredith, but also from Shirley Chisholm, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and John Lewis.
Happy Black History Month- and remember, Black History is American History!
-Faith Herbold, Vice Chair, Black Caucus Co-coordinator and GOTV Co-coordinator
In This Issue —
Events:
- National Salon with Richard Greene
- 4th Annual Black History Month Open Mic Night
- Solidarity Sundays: “It‘s The Statehouses, Stupid“
- Annual General Meeting
Issues & Actions:
- DA doubled the overseas vote in 2020
Members Corner:
- O Columbia
Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. Our next meeting will be held online on: Wednesday, March 9, 2021, at 7 p.m. Members are welcome to join us at the meetings. Please contact Richard at [email protected] to join.
DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!
Events:
What: National Salon
When: February 17
Time: 7pm - 9pm CET
Where: Zoom. Hosted by DA Switzerland
RSVP: National Salon
What: John Lewis Birthday Celebration
When: February 21
Time: 4pm - 5:30pm CET
Where: Zoom. Hosted by DA State Teams
RSVP:
4th Annual Black History Month Open Mic Night
When: Friday, February 25
Time: 7pm CET
Where: Vila Vida Cafe
RSVP: Open Mic Night
Solidarity Sundays: “It‘s The Statehouses, Stupid“
When: February 27
Time: 4pm CET
Where: Amerlinghaus, 1070 Vienna
RSVP: Solidarity Sunday
Annual General Meeting
When: March 27, 2022
Time: 2:00pm CET
Where: SPÖ Neubau, Lindengasse 64, 1070 Vienna & Online
RSVP: Annual General Meeting
Issues & Actions:
Democrats Abroad is the Margin of Difference!
In 2020, Democrats Abroad doubled the overseas vote in critical battleground states and won those elections. We grew the overseas vote, gained DNC attention, and DA has a strategy to do the same in 2022.
Members Corner:
DA Austria member-at-large Ted France, from Vorarlberg, is a singer / songwriter, with a knack for protest songs. Ted shared with us his latest song, O Columbia:
O Columbia
They’re suppressing the Vote In cities and on the plains
The Voice of the people choked by disdain
Their Gerrymandered districts the Politicians pick
But their choices make our Democracy sick
Rise up O Columbia In you we believe, Help us to pass a Federal fair vote decree
To bind up the union For the 21st Century
Don’t give up on hope, Give the Future its scope, Lay it all down, For your right to vote!
The U.S. Senate becomes a serial crime scene
Where they’re killing votes for things that we need
Republican subversion of the popular will
Lead that old Filibuster right over the hill!
Rise up O Columbia, You enshrine our rights, To assemble, to preach and to strike the
witness of our vote In the halo of your light. Don’t give up on hope, Give the Future its scope, Lay it all down For your right to vote!
And it’s for the Republic That we stand. One vote for every woman, One vote for every man
No matter your religion, race or clan, Liberty and justice we call it, The world watches
how we ballot
Citizens United lets them Buy off all our votes
The Supreme Court Even let it float
Away with our dreams Our hopes seem to fall
Repeal the power Of money’s control!
Rise up O Columbia Hail Democracy E plurbus unum Still sets us free
To seek those sunlit uplands Waiting just up around the bend
Don’t give up on hope Give the future its scope Lay it all down For your right to vote!
– Lyrics by Ted France
Thank you for reading the February Newsletter!
We'll see you in March.