JEFF PARISH DEMS HONOR JAMES CARVILLE, 7 MORE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

By Paul Anger, JPDEC 2nd vice chair

               The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee (JPDEC) honored James Carville and seven community members Thursday night, Jan. 19, at the annual Blue Horizon Awards Banquet at The Four Columns in Harvey.

               Carville accepted the Blue Horizon Trophy, given for exemplary service to the Democratic Party and its ideals of opportunity and inclusion. Carville, 78, was recognized for his tireless advocacy as the Ragin’ Cajun – Louisiana native, architect of former President Bill Clinton’s 1992 election campaign, and a unique voice in the Democratic Party for decades.

               Blue Horizon Chair Andrea Manuel, 3rd vice chair of JPDEC, reported that 261 people attended the event. These community members were honored:

               ++ Community-focused State Rep. Rodney Lyons, who has a built a notable history of civic leadership on the West Bank and in the Louisiana Legislature.

               ++ Longtime workers’ rights lawyer and former Jefferson Parish Democratic chair Trey Mustian, who has spent a decade helping lead local Democrats.

               ++ Nationally recognized Jefferson Parish child-advocate coordinator Ramona Graham, a tireless and effective spokeswoman for foster care and adoptions.

               ++ Bishop James Nelson Brown, founder of Jubilee Homeless Shelter and minister at three West Bank churches -- Second Zion Baptist, Fischer Community, and River of Life.

               ++ Katie Darling, who stood up for women’s health and reproductive rights in her recent, inspiring campaign for Louisiana’s First Congressional seat.

               ++ Jefferson Parish Schools Supt. Dr. James Gray, who has led the district to increased student proficiency while navigating the Covid pandemic and Hurricane Ida.

               ++ Pioneering educator Stanley Crosby, 88, whose teaching career started in the Civil Rights Movement and spanned six decades, including 34 years at West Jefferson High School.

               The Blue Horizon banquet’s featured speaker was U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, now in his second term representing Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. Both he and Carville thanked the crowd for their work as Democrats, because, as Carville put it, “Democrats are about people … not selfish interests.”  

               Carter listed Democrats’ accomplishments in Congress over the last two years-- including passing the infrastructure bill that’s sending billions to Louisiana, providing increased broadband to rural areas and record aid to historically black colleges and universities, boosting health care, and fighting to reduce prescription costs. He contrasted those Democrat-led initiatives with the chaotic process by which Republican Kevin McCarthy finally won approval as House speaker.

               “McCarthy looks like a guy,” Carter said, “who keeps stepping on rakes in the yard.”