Lake County Democratic Black Caucus’ Leadership Recognized At State’s Black Democrats 41st Conference

Louis C. Ward
Ornetta Slaughter
Fran Garcia

BY LOUIS C. WARD

ORLANDO – Fran Garcia, Ornetta Slaughter, and Louis C. Ward, all executive officers of Lake County Democratic Black Caucus, received awards from the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF) for their dedication to elect more Black Democrats to federal, state and local political offices, to increase Black voter turnout, and to educate and advocate for policies and laws that improve the quality of life for all Floridians.  They were recognized at the Black political organization’s 41st annual conference held June 7th through 9th at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive, Orlando.

The conference, with the theme: “Democracy Will Not Die on Our Watch” attracted more than 200 people and about 25 political candidates seeking election to various offices in the state. The program included a high spirited keynote address from Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson, informative panel discussions, a candidate extravaganza, and a State of the Caucus discourse by DBCF President Trevor Mallory.

“The award totally took me by surprise,” stated Fran Garcia, who received the President Determination Award. “I do the work for the Caucus never thinking about being rewarded. I take satisfaction in knowing that I’m contributing to help the Caucus with their mission, and that is to help African American candidates get elected.”

Ornetta Slaughter said, “I was totally surprised and quite honored to have received the President’s Community Engagement Award from the Florida State Democratic Black Caucus. The work that I do is not for recognition, but done in the hope that it will benefit my community.”

Commenting on his award, Louis C Ward said, “After being the Chairman of the Public Relations Committee for almost 12 years, I’m elated to know that my journalistic work to give voice to issues affecting Black Floridians hasn’t gone unnoticed. It felt great to receive the award, and I want to thank the DBCF for the untiring, dedicated work it does to turn Florida Blue.”