"There were are record number of people here tonight!"
There was standing room only at the Forrest County Democratic Kickoff Monday Night held at the Forrest County Chancery Court Building in downtown Hattiesburg as elected officials, democratic candidates, democratic party officials, and supporters gathered to kickoff what appears to be an exciting 2023 election season for the Democratic Party.
Some of the biggest stars in the Forrest County Democratic Party were in attendance as attendees seemed excited about the new party's transformation. Among the party stars who were featured as guest speakers were soon to be District 2 Election Commissioner Johniece DuPree, the 1st African American First Lady of the City of Hattiesburg, who ran unopposed, Constable Tommy Joe Cook, a retired police officer who's running for reelection and City of Hattiesburg City Councilman Nick Brown who's running for District 4 Board of Supervisors in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest primary races this year against current supervisor Rod Woullard.
The night was filled with optimism and hope as newly democratic candidates graced the podium introducing themselves for the first time to the democratic party. Among the new democratic candidates were Justice Court District 2 Candidate Brenda Roberts of Petal, MS & Forrest County Board of Supervisors District 2 Candidate Shelia Angelety, who's running against current District 2 Board of Supervisors Sharon Thompson, who although was out of town in Washington, D.C. felt the night was so important that she sent her campaign manager, Dr. Peggy Answorth, to passionately speak on her behalf.
Interestingly, in perhaps what's expected to be another huge democratic primary battle, both Pastor James Fenton, a Financial Advisor & bail bondsman and Attorney DeCarlo Hood, Former Senior Assistant District Attorney, both fresh faces in the democratic party, spoke empathically at the kickoff giving a glimpse at what could be a very heated exciting judicial debate as both are running to unseat Democratic Judge Robert Davis, The Senior Judge at Forrest County Justice Court.
A taste of history was also in the air as two democratic nominees addressed the enthused crowd. Forrest County Sheriff Democratic Nominee Kenny Johnson faces off against the current Republican Sheriff Charlie Simms in what is expected to be a very close re-match between the two law enforcement officers. Forrest County Coroner Democratic Nominee Greg Fluker, owner of A & A Memorial Funeral Home, humbly introduced himself to the party, as the crowd erupted in screams, applauses and cheers. If either Johnson or Fluker win, they will become the first African American to hold either position in more than 100 years.
Visibly still excited and thrilled about the monthly meeting that was created into a 3 in 1 event, the new party leader spoke about the positivity of the party. "We're just concluding a really great February Monthly meeting for the Forrest County Democratic Party. We've got some really exciting things happening. We've got some great candidates coming up for this election cycle!" said Brad Parker.
The Forrest County Democratic Kickoff was sponsored by a familiar firm, Hattiesburg Management Group, a powerhouse consulting firm that's already set numerous of records in the Pine Belt for large events, such as the annual Summer Job Fair, the biggest job fair in Hattiesburg's history, the annual Black History Celebrations, the biggest black history event in Mississippi, as well as the Mississippi March, the largest march in Hattiesburg's history. The event included music, food, fun, and fellowship.
Other big names in the community that was among the featured local stars in attending the kickoff included former Congressional Candidate Pastor David Sellers, and Hometown Hero Dee Moye, known affectionally as Mr. Hattiesburg. Moye, who serves as the Group Chief Executive of Hattiesburg Management Group, says he was overjoyed to see so many people come out in support.
"Our firm worked so very hard on this project. We're humbled so many of the party leaders and stars came out and supported this event. The Democratic Party has an awesome new Chairman, Brad Parker, who also was very supportive of this event to reenergize the democratic party by connecting it with the community. And just to see so many people here, from kids to college students to senior citizens, men and women, blacks and white, diversity at its finest, I'm speechless!" he exclaimed.
"Really thrilled to see how many new faces we had; how much excitement there was!" Brad said after the meeting. During the end of the meeting, he passionately spoke about being apart of the party for years but never seen a turnout like this. "I've been apart of this party for a few years and I've never seen this many people participate with the party!"
Former Forrest County Dem Chair was also very excited about the kickoff. "We had a record number of people here tonight!" said Forrest County Democratic Chair Emeritus Lakeylah White. White exclaimed, "Our membership is here! It's up here for our Forrest County Democrats and we're excited about it!" She concluded by offering everyone to come out and participate, "Come and join the party!"
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