Clear skies, a faint breeze, and plenty of food and entertainment. Saturday (10.25) was the perfect day to combine all those elements in an effort to push local residents to vote early.
State Representative Barbara Norton headed a committee of residents who put together the Early Voting Rally in Shreveport's Festival Plaza.
Over 100 people turned out to support the event and push the Vote for Change (i.e. Obama).
Young and old, first time voters and election veterans -- they all came out to rally for Barack Obama. Oh -- and they enjoyed some good eats and great music as well.
Over 20 local acts, including choirs, dance teams, rappers and singers, performed for attendees. Everyone from the "Holy Hot Boys" and local gospel singer Crystal Cooper (top picture above), to local jazz favorites Total Choice and Delta Sigma Theta took the stage.
As the artists entertained the crowd, they carried the message of how important it is for voters to make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote.
Rapper (and Shreveport native) Hurricane Chris, billed as the rally's main act, made an appearance -- but not to perform.
Though he broke out into an acapella version of "Hand Clap" -- instead of the usual "one for the money" lyrics, he replaced them with the words "Vote for Obama."
In retrospect, that could be considered a performance, but it probably wasn't what the crowd expected. Instead of "spittin' lyrics", H.C. used his time on the mic to preach the message:
"If you don't vote, you can't complain."
His trademark beaded braids were almost invisible under a bandana and baseball cap, and his normally (almost incoherent) speech was upgraded to words of intelligence that came straight from the heart.
Like a lot of people in the audience, this will be the Chris's first time voting in a President election. He is 19 years old.
Early voting continues Monday, October 27th and Tuesday, October 28th from 8:30 am to 6 pm, at 525 Marshall Street (Suite 103). The general election is next Tuesday, November 4th.
- For more information on early voting go to http://www.caddovoter.org/.
- For the latest on Obama's campaign go to his website, http://www.barackobama.com/.
By the way, volunteers are STILL needed at the Shreveport for Obama Headquarters at 520 Spring Street in Shreveport. Stop by and sign-up for phone bank duties or to canvass the city. Or call them at (318) 221-7902.
They also have yard signs, buttons, bumper stickers and t-shirts for sale!!! Support the Cause!!
...
and stay tuned for more pre-election and election day events - M
and stay tuned for more pre-election and election day events - M
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment