Houston Democrats

Dr. Malveaux’s remarks did not disappoint. She tackled these issues head on with humor, compassion, and clarity. The most moving anecdote she shared was about her freshman year at college, when her dorm sister from across the hall became pregnant and attempted to self-abort. The young Julianne, sworn to secrecy about the attempted illegal abortion, knew she couldn’t keep her secret when she saw blood running out from under the door to her friend’s room. She called her mother, who called authorities. They were able to save this young woman’s life; but how many other lives were lost because women did not have access to safe and legal abortions and reproductive health care services?

My group of progressive Democratic women arrived early and stayed late. Our HCDP/Kingwood Area Democrats group included me, mom Flora Medellin, Charlene Tanner, Mona Williams and Ann Rojas (Kingwood College students sponsored by KAD), Karen and Bruce Menke, Pat Day, Lavon Thomas, Karen Kaufman, and Muriel Stubbs. Several ROADWomen were also in attendance with Charlotte Coffelt, Alia Najar, Elsie Cook, Jim & Judy Doughtery and others sponsoring another table. ROADWoman extraordinaire, Muffie Moroney, served as chair of this year’s Pro-Choice Luncheon—in my humble opinion, the best one yet.

HCDP’s new Director of Party Administration, Melissa Taylor, was there as a guest of legendary Houston City Council member, Eleanor Tinsley. Several Democratic Elected Officials were in the house, too. Representative Sylvester Turner and Senator John Whitmire received awards from Planned Parenthood. Representative Turner quoted Martin Luther King in his acceptance remarks. Senator Whitmire was not able to attend; his Chief of Staff accepted the award on his behalf. Also spotted at the Luncheon were Representatives Jessica Farrar, Senfronia Thompson and Ana Hernandez, Trustee Jay Aiyer, Controller Annise Parker, and too many others to name individually.

Ellen Cohen, candidate for State Representative District 134, was working the room and inviting progressive minded attendees to her Campaign Kick-off on Thursday, January 19th from 6 to 8 p.m.

Spending a day surrounded by like-minded men and women is truly my idea of a perfect day. Heroes and Sheroes were in abundance, but my dream really did come true when I got to meet one of my greatest sheroes, Sarah Weddington, the attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade at the United States Supreme Court in 1973. This brilliant woman spent time with my students, Mona and Ann, allowed us to take way too many photographs, and was just plain nice. I want to thank my friend, Pat Day, for making the introductions and taking the group photo.

All in all, it was a day to celebrate our past successes and prepare ourselves for the fight ahead. If you haven’t already done so, call, write, fax and email your Senators. Call your friends and family all around the country and make sure they do the same.

See you at next year’s luncheon.

Note: More Photos Here