Dems bring 'Star' power to Southern BaptistBy Linda Dorsey Walker In an effort to shake things up and get as many voters as possible to the polls on Nov. 7, the Maryland Democratic Party brought in high powered celebrities to pump up the audience at a free concert held at Southern Baptist Church. Highlighting the event were Star Jones, former host of “The View,” who was the emcee, and gospel singer BeBe Winans. “The theme for tonight is A Mixture of Culture and Church,” Star Jones said. She went on to tell the audience, “I have had the honor of criss-crossing the country with a man I consider my brother, BeBe Winans, bringing that theme to church after church as we both work to raise interest in the upcoming general election, encourage Democrats to vote, and bring about a political change, especially in Congress. Thus far we have traveled to Ohio, New York, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, and immediately after this concert we must leave to head down South to Tennessee, a state where there is one political race going on that I take particular interest in, that of Harold Ford.” BeBe Winans’ performance opened with “Stand,” which brought the audience to its feet, many with arms uplifted and tears in their eyes. He followed that song with the equally stirring “Safe from Harm.” He was then joined by singer Margaret Bell in a song they performed as part of Rosa Park’s funeral “Born for Thee, Destined for Greatness.” BeBe Winans was clearly delighted to be part of this national Get Out the Vote effort and told the audience, “Either show up, or shut up.” After the concert he told the AFRO he was honored to be part of the effort and especially happy to be traveling with Jones, who he called his sister. “I believe in what I am doing here. I have performed in many places, but now I have a chance to make a real political impact. We are on our way to Tennessee after this performance, where I will help out Harold Ford Jr. who is running for U.S. Senator. After the election, I anticipate sitting at the same dinner table with newly elected Sen. Ford on his inauguration day.” Regarding Star Jones and a possible future she may have in politics, BeBe Winans said, “I believe that Star Jones would make a great candidate for elected office, and I would support her. She certainly has what every candidate should have – the education, the background, the experience, exposure, and heart to take on elected office if she were to ever run, and I hope she does.” Jones reminded the audience that if Democrats win a majority of Congressional seats this in this election, several long-term African-American Democrats will take over the chairmanship of key committees. U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, who Jones called her “Uncle Charlie,” would become chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee which handles the money; U.S. Rep. John Conyers would chair the Judiciary Committee, and Homeland Security would be led by U.S. Rep. Thompson. U.S. Rep. Elijah Cumming spoke directly to Star Jones telling her, “In your interview with Larry King you handled yourself with real dignity. You honored us all. You are a role model for African American people who have been put down and shoved aside. We are thankful to you for always putting your politics out there on The View for all to see. It is one thing to have influence, but it is another thing to actually have the courage to use it.” Most people attending the concert were already accustomed to hearing impassioned and powerful speeches given by Cummings, but many were surprised to hear the fervency of the African-American candidate for lieutenant governor, Anthony Brown, the Harvard University educated running mate of Mayor Martin O’Malley. Brown, who is less familiar to Baltimore voters, stole the hearts and attention of audience members by speaking in impassioned tones first about his Jamaican father’s background and values passed done to him, and then his own background and experiences after a 22 year career in the military and serving in Iraq. “My father taught me that before you can serve yourself, you must first serve someone else. That led me to have the career I did in the military,” said Brown who told the audience he planned to bring many of those values to the office with him. He continued by adding “When I came home from Iraq, I came home to a family that was still physically, financially and emotionally in tact. Not every soldier does, but they all should.” The concert was not as well attended as it might have been, and after so many speeches, the audience thinned out toward the very end. Most people, however, enjoyed the program and appreciated having the opportunity to meet and speak with the politicians. |
