SC Progressive Summit Nov. 16-17
The Big Apple, 1000 Hampton, downtown Columbia
Join grassroots activists from across the state for the SC Progressive Network’s 12th annual Fall gathering. Whether you’re concerned about social justice, global warming, the Iraq War, or the growing influence of money in politics, participants will seek common ground upon which to build a movement for progressive power in South Carolina.
“This is the Network’s most important event of the year,” said Co-chair Donna Dewitt, president of the SC AFL-CIO. “Our folks look forward to this weekend retreat, where they can reconnect with old friends, meet new allies, and be inspired by the good work going on all across South Carolina that rarely gets the attention it deserves. We hope to see lots of new faces.”
The meeting is open to the public. Newcomers are welcome.
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Friday, Nov. 16, 6-9pm • Welcome Reception
Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, open mic. Meet and greet in casual setting.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 8:30-5 • SC Progressive Summit
Registration is $35, includes breakfast, lunch and conference materials.
* Strategy planning for 2008 legislation
* Luncheon Guest speaker: Rep. Joe Neal
* Master African Drummer Amara Camara
* Interactive workshop on bridging the generation gap led by Sergio Delgado (Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service)
* Presidential straw poll
For detailed Summit agenda, click here.
5-6:30pm • Thunder and Lightning Awards Celebration and Silent Auction Fund-raiser
The Network will honor two of its own with the award named for the famous quote by Frederick Douglass, who said: “Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are people who want crops without plowing the ground . . . rain without thunder and lightning. Power concedes nothing without demand and struggle. It never has and it never will.”
This year’s honorees are the Rev. Dr. Bennie Colclough and Thomas “Tommy” Gordon III.
The Rev. Dr. Bennie Colclough worked courageously on behalf of the LGBT community in its fight against the marriage amendment last year. “There is only one size of equality,” he says, “and it must fit all people, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.” Rev. Colclough was born in Sumter in 1952 — during the era of Jim Crow segregation — where he learned about discrimination first-hand. He attended Cal. State, later receiving a Masters and Doctorate in Ministry from Yale Divinity School. He put in 30 years with the US Postal Service, where he served as president of his local union. For 13 years he pastored churches across South Carolina. He has served on the SC AFL-CIO Excutive Board, the Christian Action Council, and is currently a Co-Chair of the SC Progressive Network. He was recently appointed to the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council by Columbia City Council.
Network Co-chair Rev. Bennie Colclough chats with SC Equality Coalition campaign director Asha Leong after a press conference on the family discrimination amendment last fall.
Thomas “Tommy” W. Gordon III is a 14-year-old freshman at Dutch Fork High School. He is a South Carolina Junior Scholar, and is part of the DUKE Talent Identification Program. He is an excellent student and musician, playing drums and the guitar Being raised by an outspoken mother, Jennifer Tague, and an outspoken grandmother, Harriet Hancock, Tommy has learned to stand up for his beliefs, and be able to make educated decisions about those beliefs. Tommy’s civil rights activism began at the age of four months, when he attended a SC House of Representatives subcommittee meeting with his grandmother, who was testifying against a proposed bill to prohibit gays and lesbians from adopting children. His gay uncle stood beside her at the podium holding Tommy in his arms. From that point on, he has been protesting against the confederate flag, Nazi groups, President Bush and the War. He is also a passionate and outspoken advocate for civil rights for the LGBT community and a volunteer with the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement donating his time to help with fund-raisers and whatever else he is asked to do. He took a bold stand last month by wearing a pro-choice T-shirt to school the day others planned to wear shirts with pro-life slogans. He was forced to cover up his message with a shirt that read: “Today I Violated the Dutch Fork High School Dress Code.” The administration later apologized.
Thomas “Tommy” W. Gordon III
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Make reservations to the Summit by calling the SC Progressive Network at 803.808.3384 or e-mail network@scpronet.com. Friday and Saturday’s receptions are free and open to the public. Casual dress.