By Larry Caballero
Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) Chair and Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party Eric Bauman welcomed more than a thousand supporters to the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic of the Year Awards Dinner Oct. 23 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at LAX.
Cerritos resident Beverly F. Hutchinson Porter and Norwalk resident Martin E. Greenidge were the 2016 recipients of the Democrat of the Year Award representing the 58th Assembly District that encompasses Artesia, Bell Gardens, Cerritos, Downey, Montebello, Norwalk and Pico Rivera.
“As we move into the home stretch of Election 2016, with the ever escalating lies and distortions being hurled our way by Donald Trump and the Republican circus, I’m heartened by a reminder of the reason Democrats win—our amazing volunteers,” said Bauman.
“We gather here tonight to pay tribute to our grassroots activists who give so much of themselves to elect Democratic candidates and to promote progressive causes. Our Democrats of the Year serve as shining examples of the best in our communities, and I’m so grateful that we have this moment to thank them for their hard work.
Your support helps give the LACDP the resources we need to mobilize the more than 2.5 million Democrats in Los Angeles County.”
“At this event, we honor grassroots activists from each Assembly District as the Democrats of the Year. These dedicated volunteers will be on the frontline in the important battles we face this November,” said Bauman.
As a child, Porter remembers her father was always involved in politics, and often conducted meetings in their home. She believes that grassroots politics allowed her local Democratic Club, the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club of Cerritos, to be instrumental in getting the City to celebrate Martin Luther King Day.
“I remember our members attending the Cerritos City Council meetings each month to pressure the local officials at the time to approve the holiday, and we were all so proud when it finally became an official holiday in our city.”
She is blessed with the support of her best friend and husband, William, and the ABC’s of their lives—their children Angela, Brian and Christopher.
Greenidge became a member of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 9580 in 1980, and soon afterward became a steward, giving him the chance of attending his first international convention.
He has several awards for community service and has been actively involved in local politics. He is a proud member of the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club, and even considered running for local office. He once was a candidate for the Cerritos College Board.
“I am very honored to be recognized tonight,” said Greenidge, “and I plan to continue to do what I can to promote social justice and equality in our communities.”
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