Support These Candidates
By Keith Boykin, in politics
Tuesday, November 1 2005, 10:21AM
A week from today, we will see not one, but at least two new openly gay or lesbian African American candidates on the election ballots in the U.S. The first is Jass Stewart, a candidate for mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts, who has been profiled on this site several times before. The second is Vivian Paige, a candidate for treasurer of Norfolk, Virginia. Both candidates are in the final stretch of the race, and they need your support.
Jass Stewart represents three historic firsts for Brockton. He is the city's first-black, first openly gay, and youngest candidate for mayor. Married to his partner Denzil Paul, Stewart and Paul have a 13-year-old son. As I reported in September, Stewart won 29 percent of the vote in the 4-person primary election, which earned him a spot on the November 8 ballot against one opponent, a conservative member of the Brockton City Council. He is asking for donations as small as $15, so please help out today. You can give money to his campaign at jassstewart.com.
Vivian Paige is a a certified public accountant and the only accountant among the candidates for Treasurer in Norfolk. If elected, she would become the first openly lesbian African-American to win elected office in the state of Virginia, according to her campaign. After being targeted in a "dirty tricks" campaign because of her sexuality, Paige is fighting hard to win. Although she is a first-time political candidate, the treasurer's race is considered to be the most competitive race in the city of Norfolk, according to the Washington Blade. You can give money to her campaign at paige2005.com.
Comments conceal
Bernie
November 1 2005, 12:00PM
Author and activist Barbara Smith is running and expected to win her race for city council in Albany, New York.
Richard
November 1 2005, 1:10PM
Keith, thanks for featuring and supporting Jass Stewart once again. He, his partner and son are friends of ours, and this man is totally committed to making his city a better place for all. I have never personally known someone so committed to public service and to people living their potential. I have even seen Jass taking the time to get to know and be supportive of the educational goals of the young guy who was once delivering our pizza! Truly, he is ready to work hard to back up his commitments and he will transform that city and much, much more. It's only a matter of time. If anyone is able to help support his campaign with a donation (large or small), I know it would be a big help in these last few days before his election. Go Jass!
Richard
Forever Barri
November 2 2005, 11:56PM
I hope Vivian wins. My parents reside in Norfolk, VA. We need as many voices and decision making clout in the political world more than ever now. If I lived in Brockton, Jass Stewart would definitely get my backing and support. I believe I would even volunteer for his campaign services in an effort to reach as many voters as possible to ensure his victory.