PAPILLION, Neb. — The head of a local Democratic committee says her group had alliteration — not discrimination — on its mind when it named an upcoming fundraiser.
PAPILLION, Neb. — The head of a local Democratic committee says her group had alliteration — not discrimination — on its mind when it named an upcoming fundraiser. The event is tagged on Democratic Party Web sites as "Dems Dat Do," and is intended to raise money for the Sarpy County Democratic Committee. The Sunday event features U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson. But the name raised concerns for Jose Soto (HO-say SO-toe), vice president for access/equity/diversity at Southeast Community College in Lincoln. He fears the name alludes to Black stereotypes perpetuated decades ago. Committee chairwoman Carol Blood says that was never the intention and it’s ridiculous to think a Democratic committee would be insensitive to African-Americans. One committee member, Charlene Ligon, is an African-American woman who grew up in the racially charged South during the 1950s and ’60s. Ligon says she has no problem with the name. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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