By Cynthia Howard, Freelance writer, Tempo News
The Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus (MCDBC) was recognized by the Manatee County Democratic Party at its annual gala last month in Bradenton. MCDBC was presented with the 2022 Bill McGrath Memorial Award, presented to the group or individual who exemplifies commitment to promoting democracy by engaging and registering Democratic voters. The gala was held at The Grove Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch.
MCDBC’s purpose is to ensure that Black voters are involved, engaged, elected and active participants in the democratic process. Its mission is to raise overall social, economic, and political awareness, support elected officials in Florida, and offer advocacy and outreach to all demographics and classifications of Black people across the state of Florida. Michelle Grimsley is President of the MCDBC; Florence Shelton-Clark serves as Second Vice President and State Committee woman, Manatee County. She chairs the Voter Education/Registration Committee and the Membership Outreach Committee. She was also instrumental in coordinating voter registration drives in Manatee County.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Shelton-Clark grew up in a home and family active in assisting local candidates and has always had a love for voter registration. “My mother had us out when we were young, campaigning for Alcee Hastings and others in our community,” she said. “It’s how I developed my love for politics”. After completing her education, she returned to Fort Lauderdale for a while before relocating to the Atlanta area where she increased her involvement in politics. She worked with Barack Obama’s campaign as the Neighborhood Team Leader (NTL) and co-chair for his second term as President. She was elected as a 2012 Georgia Delegate for the 6th Congressional District, where she attended the Democratic National Convention.
Shelton-Clark relocated to Manatee County and became active with the Manatee County Democratic Party. “I became involved with the Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus so I could continue my passion and commitment of working to get African Americans and people of color involved in the political process and increase voter registration.” She volunteered with the Andrew Gillum campaign and was instrumental in bringing him to Bradenton during his campaign. “It’s all about canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, and seeking places to hold voter registration drives. “Voter registration is not something we do only when there’s an election; it is work that needs to be done year-round.”
