BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

This past weekend, the Florida Democratic Party held its Annual Convention in downtown Tampa. The event took place at the Tampa Waterside Marriott.

During the convention, representatives are chosen as Delegates to attend the upcoming National Democratic Convention. This year, seven African American delegates from Tampa were chosen.

The delegates who will be representing this Congressional District of Florida are: Senator Arthenia Joyner, State Rep. Betty Reed, County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., Sean Shaw, Ms. Dianne Hart, President of the Hillsborough County Black Caucus, and Ms. Ella Coffee. Ms. Coffee is the only African American from Tampa to serve on the Credentials Committee.

The national event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September.

On Saturday evening, Rod Smith, Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, presented Outstanding Leadership Awards to three individuals. During the presentation, a video was shown about each recipient and the award was presented.

Mrs. Gwendolyn Miller presented a fitting tribute to her husband, County Commissioner Leslie Miller, Jr., on his recognition of being an Outstanding Leader. During remarks, Commissioner Miller closed out his comments with the lyrics of a popular song, “Let’s Do It Again” like we did in 2008 and re-elect President Obama,” Miller said.

Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Kathy Betencourt introduced Mrs. Betty Castor as the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Mrs. Castor stressed the need for continued progress in the areas of women’s rights, human rights, and civil rights. However, she cautioned that there is still much further to go.

Mrs. Castor encouraged those in attendance to not only support President Barack Obama for re-election, but to support all Democrats on the ballot seeking an elected office.

Former Governor Bob Graham also received the Outstanding Leadership Award. Graham stressed the importance of civility and deliberately as members of the Legislative bodies. He further said that those in attendance should work tirelessly to keep President Obama in the White House. He also advised that they stand united and work diligently to make sure that the President and all Democrats are elected or re-elected.

Senator Arthenia Joyner has served as a Delegate more than once. She said that the hotels are chosen through a drawing and the drawing was held this weekend.

“We drew a favorable location this year because we are in downtown where the convention will take place,” she said.

Senator Joyner said in the past, transportation has been the responsibility of the delegate.