Newsletter for Jan 13, 2021

In this Newsletter:

  • Message from the Chair
  • Candidate Updates
  • GWCDP News
  • Our Community
  • News & Noteworthy
  • Upcoming Events

Message from the Chair

As I write this, we’re a full week separated from the Trump Riot at our nation’s Capitol Building and Donald J. Trump just became the first US President to be impeached twice, this time for “”incitement of insurrection” against the US Government. 

I watched the responses from Trump supporters (including our local Republican leaders) and observed there were three common themes used to deflect responsibility or to deny reality:

  • It was just a few bad apples
  • It was “Antifa”
  • What about all the cities that burned to ground in last summer’s BLM riots?

In a recent FB post, SC House Representative John McCravy managed to use two of these three tropes. Take two minutes to watch the video below and see for yourself how disconnected their statements are from what happened.

As any marriage counselor will tell you, in order for there to be “healing” there first has to be an acceptance of reality.


Candidate News

Inauguration Ceremony & Watch Party
Don’t watch the official swearing in ceremony of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris by yourself! Join us on Wed, Jan 20 as we live stream the proceedings in a virtual Zoom room!

Typically, the ceremonies are held at noon on Inauguration Day, but that hasn’t been officially confirmed. For now, we’re scheduling our Zoom from 11:30 am – 1 pm, but it may change if the official agenda differs from that.

We’ve also uncovered a small leftover supply of Biden-Harris signs and bumper stickers. Attendees will get them on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last!

Sign up via Mobilize for connection information, reminders, and updates.


Candidate Search & Support committee
GWCDP 1st Vice Chair, James Thompson, will be spearheading our Candidate Search & Support Committee.

This committee aims to recruit Democratic candidates for all positions that are up for election in 2022 and provide support & guidance for those that are new to political campaigning.

The kickoff meeting for the 2022 election cycle will be on Thursday, Jan 14 at 6 pm via Zoom. If you wish to participate in this effort and help achieve success in 2022, please e-mail info@gwdcountydems.org to get the Zoom meeting information.

If you are interested in learning about running for office, contact James at jetbyrd461@gmail.com or (864) 993-5161.


A full list of positions that will be up for election in 2022 is available for review on our website. Take a look and see if there’s anything you would be interested in running for!


GWCDP News

Virtual Breakfast Meeting
If you missed last Saturday’s Virtual Breakfast Meeting, you missed out on a lot! 

  • Reflections on the Trump Riots at the Capitol and the huge wins in Georgia
  • An interview with the Greenwood County Diversity Group
  • Rep. Anne Parks provided updates on what’s happening in Columbia
  • A fascinating interview with former SC House Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell about her first time running for office against Mick Mulvaney
  • …and more!

Fortunately, the entire proceedings were saved on YouTube and you can watch the individual segments at your leisure.


Volunteer of the Month

As announced at the Virtual Breakfast Meeting, our Volunteer of the Month is Suzy Holloway!

She is the famous owner of “Suzy’s Puppet Place” and has been very generous in lending it to us for meetings. She’s also a prolific t-shirt designer, helped distribute voters guides, and has a level of energy that is unparalleled!

Congratulations, and thank you, Suzy!


Denise Waldrep has been watching the initial proceedings of the Legislative Session in Columbia. She’s providing updates and insights in our Greenwood County Democrats Group on Facebook. You can join by clicking on the image below!


Our Community

For January’s Community Care Movement activity, we will join in the annual City vs County Food Drive. Click on the image to the right to see an enlarged poster with the information.

Not since the Great Depression have so many Americans gone hungry. Food Pantries all over the country are experiencing a record number of families showing up in need. Let’s give what we can and show that Democrats Care!

To foster the spirit of friendly competition we suggest that if you live in the City, donate to the City team; if you live outside of City limits, donate to the County team.

The drive to collect non-perishable food ends on January 25. Please join us in our efforts to make this a successful campaign. You can drop off your donations at Tony’s Salad Bowl (next to Ollie’s on the Bypass).

If you wish to contribute money to our effort and let us do the shopping for you, please contact our CCM Director, Wanda Moore: wandamoore320@gmail.com  or (864) 554-5702.


Race and Identity Dialogue
Lander University is offering a series of free virtual seminars on a variety of interesting topics from January through April. Speakers include our very own Mamie Nicholson!

  • Jan. 21 – An Introduction to the Series: Prejudice, Privilege and Power
  • Feb. 4 – The Story of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
  • Feb. 18 – Personal Writing as Personal Reckoning
  • Mar. 9 – Letters on Blackness: Exploring African American Literature
  • Mar. 11 – African American Voices: A Poetry Workshop
  • Mar. 25 – Parenting and Telling Stories to Children
  • Apr. 8 – Race, Politics and Civic Action
  • Apr. 22 – Civic Engagement and Your Own Story

Visit their website for more information and to sign up.


COVID-19 Vaccination in SC
Fellow member Dylan Fender sent along the following information about the recently expanded Phase 1a criteria for vaccination eligibility: Now anyone 70 and older can get vaccinated against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Click on the flyer below for more information.


News & Noteworthy

On Inauguration Day, there will be a televised celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Alternatively, you can participate in an SCDP fundraising event: Aviators and Pearls: A South Carolina Inaugural Celebration for a more localized flavor.

The editorial staff of the Index-Journal made an impassioned (but certainly futile) plea to Jeff Duncan to drop his objections to the Presidential Election.

South Carolina isn’t doing very well with its vaccination distribution plan. Click the image below to see a larger version and feel free to share!


Upcoming Events 

See our Calendar Page for these and other upcoming events.
Search & Support Committee
Thu Jan 14
6 pm – 7 pm
Email info@gwdcountydems.org if interested in participating

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mon Jan 18

GWD County Council
Tue, Jan 19
5:30 pm
Greenwood Public Library
Watch on YouTube

Inauguration Watch Party
Wed, Jan 20
11:30 am – 1 pm
Sign up via Mobilize

 City vs County Food Drive
Ends Mon, Jan 25

Greenwood City Council
Swearing in of Patricia Partlow
Mon, Jan 25
5:30 pm
Municipal Building
520 Monument St., Room 2012
Watch on FB Live

GWD County Council
Tue, Feb 2
5:30 pm
Greenwood Public Library
Watch on YouTube

Virtual Breakfast Meeting
Sat, Feb 6
9 am – 10:30 am
Sign up via Mobilize
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