Brandon Dix, President of The Panhandle Young Democrats, received the NAACP Community Service Award Saturday, November 7th, at the Dr. R.W. Jones Freedom Fund Banquet.
The Community Service Award is given by the NAACP in recognition of an individual or organization for noteworthy service and commitment to advance racial harmony, community relations, and the public welfare.
Brandon is fairly new to the Texas Panhandle but in just a short time he has become a force in the community.
Most of us came to know Brandon during the Obama campaign where he was key to organizing young voters, voter registrations and other events. Through his drive and enthusiasm he has helped grow the now thriving Democratic community in our area.
Watch Brandon’s acceptance speech, courtesy of Laurie McSpadden.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Actually, what Brandon accomplished, was to prove to the powers that be that the Democrats are Bush League. We have been fighting, desperately for years, to be taken seriously in the Panhandle. He has managed to srt us back several years. If you want single member districts and you want to be taken seriously, you don’t fly in the face of the establishment, you work with them. The Mayor was so upset that she refused to have her picture taken with him. Imagine what the Commission will do the next time they are requested to put something on the ballot that is conceived by Democrats. If there was any “ass kicking” it was the Democratic Party that got it’s ass kicked.
What do you mean “awaiting moderation”?
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Yeah, we’re all about “diplomacy” and getting along in the Amarillo Area. Why, even past Leaders…are all about being inclusive and have our very best interest at heart. They “pitch in” and support others efforts, because we all benefit when the Democratic Party wins!
They used to say all the time, “There is no “me” in “we”!!! I’m completely confident that all of we Democrats are on the same page, and only want the best for each other, and plan to work together because it is in our very best interest to do so!
Any other way, is the work of a defeatist….who cannot see how they hurt themselves, much more than anyone else. A sad situation, but we are not consumed by the “me”….but with the “we” who are strong and will perservere!!!
The fact is that the party has been essentially dead here for the last few decades. Instead of having a structure to combat criticism and get the honest messaging out, we have had infighting such as what is apparent in the previous comments. We are a party that is a large tent and we all have a role to fill in the work that is cumulative in our diversity. Brandon Dix is a hard working individual and he is young.
Brandon Dix is the reason that I have become involved in the local party. I stopped at the HQ to get Obama gear and they had a couple of buttons but not much else. We found the Obama HQ from OFA and scored a lot of gear. I met Brandon and now realize, Tony Rafael. I asked Brandon how I could volunteer and I helped with the Victory Party.
Brandon and I with the help of Rachael Kelly and Thomas Penna, ( the core four), chartered the Panhandle Young Democrats. I was introduced to Gentry and many of you by Brandon Dix at the monthly club meeting. I was asked to chair the affiliates and community outreach committee and now I am Potter County Chair. I credit Brandon Dix for introducing me and getting me involved.
Sometimes and I believe this is one of those times, it is ok to piss people off. Nothing Brandon Dix said is not the truth. The party has stood idly by why these things have occurred in Amarillo. Under who’s leadership and direction did this happen? We are in a new era in this area politically. We have to have young people to get energized. The youth in this area are disgruntled.
We are tired of the establishment that has built a facade on a decaying community. We have the polished shiny veneer that is southwest Amarillo and a building a shiny barrier in downtown. Everything North and East is left to fade with time. We are the heart and the backbone of this city. We are the workers that keep the day to day going. If we speak truth to power it is because we have the right and deserve the respect to be heard.
The majority of the people that we need voting are not showing up at the polls. They are apathetic and need a push and a beacon. It will take people that are brave enough to buck the establishment that will make these people believe that if they show up their vote will count. They are looking for leaders that say the status quo is not ok. To have a quasi-feudal corporate system is not the opportunity that our forefathers laid out for us. It is not the cause for which countless patriots blood was shed.
I laud and endorse Brandon’s comments. We can continue to fight within the party or we can move forward and change the political landscape. We can let the establishment know that they are no longer safe at the polls. We the voter are watching and we will hold those that have perpetuated a broken system accountable.
Well said, Toby. I’m just wondering why anyone would think it a good thing, to continually “bash” folks who are stepping up and taking charge. Jealousy, perhaps?
The point is, Brandon deservedly won the award and was allowed to give the speech he wrote-which was applauded and lauded all over the city. The mayor is a big girl.
It is classless and graceless to attack Brandon, when in fact he has gotten amazing things done in this city by being who he is and saying what he feels is right at the time.
I would much rather be represented by Brandon than someone who is corrupt, misrepresents himself, and uses the people who support him to further his dubious ends. I think we all know a few of those who have a bigger voice in this local party than they have ever earned. Let’s direct our outrage to the people who don’t have the guts to be a Brandon Dix. Honest declarations on behalf of the invisible might be impolite, might be politically incorrect, but it is the good fight nonetheless! Brandon’s commitment is just as big when no one is looking as it is when he is behind a podium. Therefore in my opinion he can say whatever he likes if it brings attention to actual issues, rather than rehearsed talking points.