On Saturday, November 12, 2022 the founding president of the Winston County Federation of Democratic Women (WCFDW), Linda Floyd attended the National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW), the Southern Region Fall Meeting which was hosted by the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women (MFDW). It was held at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Biloxi, MS. The theme for the meeting was “Defending Democracy”. The meeting discussed how democracy is being attacked by extremists, insurrectionist and by Republicans in our country who are passing laws to suppress the votes of mostly minority voters and inner city voters.
The Southern Region Fall Gala was held was held the evening of the Fall Meeting. Among the agenda at the Gala was a tribute to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson for his many years of defending democracy and for his role as Chair of the January 6 Commission. He has served 13 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District since 1993. In 2000, Thompson authored legislation creating the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities which subsequently became law. He aggressively advocated for disaster relief improvements within government agencies and provided oversight to ensure that federal funds were properly allocated for Gulf Coast recovery, after Hurricane Katrina. He served as the first Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, introducing and engineering passage of the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007. Thompson could not be present at the meeting or Gala due to his busy schedule with the January 6 Committee, however, he sent a video. As a politician, he has been inspired by the legacies of Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry and Henry Kirksey. He is a native of Bolton, MS and an alumnus of Tougaloo College – a private historically black college in Jackson, MS.
Gail Buckner, president of the National Federation of Democratic Women, greeted the Southern Regional Members and stated that the national federation values the Democratic leaders and thanked President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and so many others. She also thanked the MFDW Executive Board, local chapters, and every member that is providing a path for all citizens to follow.
Present was Kathy Adams, Director of the Southern Region, NFDW. She asked new members and returning members to get ready to “Defend Democracy.” She stated that while this nation is reeling with its’ voting rights, gun safety, reproductive justice, and equality challenges on the heels of the Roe v. Wade controversy, that time was made to gather, strategize, educate, and encourage conversations with fellow sisters. She encouraged members to help the Democratic leaders and the President of the United States to “Defend Democracy.”
Mr. Tyree Irving, Chairman of the Democratic Party of the State of Mississippi, welcomed the federation and voiced, “Women are change agents who get things done, and for too long, Mississippi’s political agenda has been set and executed without input from women.”
Also, Ms. Lovie West, president of the MFDW greeted democratic women and guests. She described the Federation as being comprised of visionary women and men dedicated to the ideals of democracy and the Democratic Party. The MFDW implements programs to recruit, train, and support women through their political journeys. She stated, “Although women are at the forefront of our work, we support all democratic candidates and officials who defend democracy throughout the state.” The Fall Meeting, which was 7:00 a.m. – 12 p. m., was closed with remarks by Kathy Adams and announcements made by Lovie West.
The Winston County Federation of Democratic Women LLC was founded by Ms.Linda Floyd April 1, 2022. Its membership has increased to over 40 members. Linda stated that she really learned tremendously about the federations and is excited to be a local leader. She was on the agenda for the invocation at the Gala. She expressed that she would like to see more Winston County women join the federation.
Ms. Linda Floyd is a Democrat Congressional Delegate of the Third District and a member of the Democrat State Executive Committee. She stated, “Some say that women’s success is limited by the glass ceiling, while others think that it is the sticky floor. The most important insight that I gained at the Fall Meeting was that no one person or organization can build up community alone. We must do a better job of communicating the messages of the party to younger generations. If we can ignite our young people…they will be the GAMECHANGERS.”
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