Local
Prominent LGBT strategist announces bid for Virginia Assembly seat
Jasper Hendricks, senior strategist for public engagement from the National Black Justice Coalition, announced he would seek the Virginia Assembly seat opening up upon the retirement of independent delegate.
The senior strategist for public engagement from the nation’s most prominent African American LGBT organization, the National Black Justice Coalition, announced Sunday that he would be seeking the Virginia Assembly seat opening up in his hometown upon the retirement of independent delegate, Watkins Abbitt. Jasper Hendricks, III, has worked for the National Black Justice Coalition for three years, and has an expansive career in politics stretching back many years, including staff for Congressman Kendrick Meek of Miami as well as serving political director of the Wisconsin Democratic party during the 2006 Governor’s race.
Hendricks, however, has lived in the 59th District his entire life.
“I’m originally from here. I went to school in Appomattox,” he said, “I have been commuting via Amtrak to D.C. three days a week.” He says spends long weekends with his family at home.
Hendricks is very tied into the local community, and even consulted local residents before deciding to run for the retiring delegate’s seat.
“Right now I’m the first Democrat to announce. I’ve heard there are others who are considering it, but taking advice from locals, I was the first person to file.”
When asked about his chances in this sometimes red, sometimes blue district, Hendricks says they are very good, especially since he knows his constituents so well.
“The district is very rural, encompasses Appomattox county of the famous civil war battles. Also Buckingham county and parts of Albemarle county. So its a very rural district.”
The current state delegate of 26 years, Watkins Abbitt, was originally a Democrat, but he switched to independent about fifteen years ago, and now caucuses with Republicans. His father, Watkins Abbitt Sr. is a former member of Congress.
However, Democrats haven’t fared poorly in this rural Virginia district. Both Tim Kaine and President Barack Obama won the district.
“It could be Democratic, Mark Warner won the district by over ten points. Obama lost Appomattox county, but I don’t intend to lose it.”
The district is only about 23% African American, which would make Hendricks the first black candidate in this area to seize the Democratic nomination for this seat.
The Dem candidate is chosen by caucus in late August.
Read the official press release is below.
Jasper Hendricks, III Seeks Democratic Nomination for 59th District VA House of Delegates
Appomattox, VA – Appomattox resident Jasper Hendricks III filed statement of organization today to seek the Democratic nomination for the open 59th district Virginia State House of Delegates seat. The current 59th District Delegate, Watkins Abbitt, has announced his retirement after 26 years as the district’s delegate, which covers all of Appomattox and Buckingham counties and parts of Nelson, Albemarle, and Campbell counties.
A lifelong resident of the 59th District, Jasper attended Appomattox County Elementary and Middle Schools before graduating from Prince Edward County Public Schools. Jasper went on to study political science at Norfolk State University and began his career in public service as an outreach advisor to two democratic presidential campaigns and three Members of Congress. Currently Jasper is a consultant working to develop and implement effective coalition-building and programmatic outreach designed to increase civic engagement.
Jasper is the son of Joyce Hendricks who retired in 2007 from Thomasville Furniture after 30 years of service in their Appomattox plant and the late Jasper Hendricks, Jr who had been employed at Griffin Pipe Industries in Lynchburg for 30 years. Jasper says his campaign will highlight the need to create access and opportunities to jobs, education, and the need for responsible economic development throughout the district.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
Maryland
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Conservative groups challenged system’s policy
By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.
Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”
Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
Markey’s primary win deemed success for LGBTQ activists
Top Bulgarian court rules government must legally recognize trans people
Lou Chibbaro Jr. documentary wins award from NLGJA
Beloved D.C. ‘Old Catholic’ Bishop Charles Braun dies at 86
Blade welcomes fall intern
E-INFOSOL leaders encourage youth to pursue tech careers
Milo Yiannopoulos deported to UK
New book examines Trump cuts to LGBTQ healthcare
Immersive ‘Nation-State’ imagines a society free of authoritarianism
