A Better World IS Possible...
Dear Fellow Democrat,
It's inevitable IF we do the WORK!! Imagine what our LGBTQ+ friends from the 60's would think if they could teleport into Pride month 2026? The first Gay Pride parade was in 1970 to mark a year since the Stonewall Riots. In 1994, October was designated by educational organizations as LGBTQ History Month. In 1999, Bill Clinton made a Presidential Proclamation that June would be Gay and Lesbian Pride month, and in 2011, President Obama expanded that to include the whole LGBTQ community. These markers span over 40 years, but all along the way there were activists, organizers, politicians and everyday citizens who worked to move these rights and freedoms forward. Collectively and individually, we can and do make the world a better place.
The challenge and opportunity we have today is both to defend and expand these accomplishments. In a world that is marketed as dangerous and existential, it is up to US to imagine a more beautiful tomorrow, to let that vision be fuel for Hope, and to take consistent action to make it real. There's no shortage (and there never will be!) of ways that we can improve life for ourselves, our loved ones and neighbors, and the natural world. Focusing on THAT future is the way to get there.
Our RAD book club is meeting is this Thursday on June 11th and this month we are reading one of the most impactful, important books we've read to date! The Persuaders - At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy by Anand Giridharadas is absolutely mandatory reading for anyone who wants to know how to navigate these fraught, divisive times. With direct conversations with changemakers like the founders of Black Lives Matter, AOC, and Anat Shenker-Osorio (wonder where I got the "beautiful tomorrow" idea above?!), this book reminds us what brought us to where we are and the people who are stepping out of the lines to persuade *others* to see things their way. We meet at 7:00 in person and on Zoom, so please respond to this email if you want to join us, or just pick up the book and dig in! You'll be so glad you did!
This week the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced a list of 12 races across our state that are ready to flip this November. Among the six named in the DFW area, our own House District 112 candidate Zach Herbert was at the top! Zach is working hard to realize the dream of replacing the stubbornly perennial Republican there and HE NEEDS OUR HELP! This Saturday, we're meeting at 10:00 to knock on doors in nearby Garland, and after will gather at Zach's house for his famous smash burgers! Please come out and have some fun and be a part of this transcendent campaign! Register here for all the details!
This month, our Happy Hour is going to be a little different... We are working with Texas Coalition of Black Democrats Collin County to bring you a beautiful celebration of freedom - Juneteenth Eve Party! We are meeting on June 18th from 6:30 to 8:30 at Northside Drafthouse & Eatery for LIVE Music from our own Gabe Meadows with his Lush Life Trio!! FOOD! Community!! CELEBRATION! Please Plan To Join Us!!
As usual, we continue to show up weekly, ROARing on the bridge and with our signs! You can join the ROAR Bridge Brigade on Thursday evenings from 4-6 and Saturday mornings from 9-10 on the Collins Blvd Bridge over I-75 (park at Cafe Max on the east side and walk up!). They are always happy to have more hands to hold the banners and flags and wave at the honking cars on Central! We also meet every Saturday morning from 10-11 on the southeast corner of Campbell & 75 to let our community know that there is a resistance in Richardson! Join Us!
There are lots of opportunities to Imagine, Hope, and Work! A ballot FULL of Democrats means lots of candidates that need support! Locally we have a full slate! Dan Barrios for CD32! Keenen Colbert for SD2! Representative Mihaela Plesa for HD70! Representative Ana-Maria Rodriquez-Ramos for HD102! Zach Herbert for HD112! Orlando Lopez for HD33! And so many more! Choose your candidate(s!) and wade or jump in! We have less than 5 months to get these folks elected!
~ See You Soon ~
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Once again, if you haven't done so yet, we invite you to join or renew your membership in Richardson Area Democrats. Your suggested donation of $10/month will help us continue to build this inclusive community! Thanks for all you do.
