Sept. 24: Black Va. Democrats To Kick Off New Networking Group

HAMPTON

If you want to mingle with elected Democrat officials and candidates, or envision serving on a state board, or a commission, attend the Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats kick-off meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Avenue Blue Piano and Wine Bar, in Hampton at 2330 McMenamin St.

 This means you will actually rub elbows with many elected officials and candidates including State Senators Kenny Alexander, Mamie Locke, and Louise Lucas. And you will listen to many legislative experts including Delegates Joe Lindsey, Daun Hester, Matthew James, Mayme BaCote, and Delegate Jeion Ward. An array of Democratic leaders and organizers will also attend the kick-off event.

The keynote speaker will be Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney. As the secretary of the commonwealth, Stoney assumed responsibility for filling about 3,700 positions in the McAuliffe administration when he was appointed in January 2014, according to news reports. Stoney, the first African-American to serve as secretary of the commonwealth also made history by becoming the executive director of the Virginia Democrat Party in February 2008.

At the time, he said in a statement, “My overall long-term goal is to continue building the Party, making it a lasting operational institution that elects Democrats for years to come.”

Stoney received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University in 2004. In 2006, he completed the Virginia Commonwealth University Minority Political Leadership Institute’s leadership development program. The Yorktown native resides in Richmond with his wife.

To learn more, please phone 287-0277.