Inspired to Promote and Protect Democracy 

Florence Shelton-Clark Awarded Community Service Award 

 By B. E. Melendez

Finding ways to convince people to register to vote, vote by mail or just vote is Florence Shelton-Clark’s mission as a member of the Manatee County Democratic Party’s Black Caucus.  Even though there have been many times she’s been ready to give up, she keeps up the hard work.

This year Shelton-Clark was recognized for that hard work at the Manatee County Democrats’ Annual Gala, April 15, at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch.  She was awarded the Bill McGrath Memorial Award for Community Service, given to the group or individual who “exemplifies commitment to promoting democracy by engaging and registering Democratic voters.”

For her acceptance speech, it was a talk Shelton-Clark found that provided her with the perfect way to reveal the secret to what keeps her motivated. The Manatee Democratic State Committeewoman was moved by a story Civil Rights activist/Attorney Bryan Stevenson told about an elderly man in a wheelchair he once met.  He told Stevenson, who founded the Legacy Museum in Alabama, about the marks (cuts, scars, bruises) on his body saying, “These are my Medals of Honor.” They were earned in Green County, AL 1963, Philadelphia, MS, in 1964, and Birmingham, AL 1965 – all as he tried to register people to vote.

“His words, repeated in this story, brought me to tears,” Shelton Clark said. “So many people gave their lives, endured beatings and threats just to make sure you and I and all of us have the right to vote. What I do doesn’t come close to their suffering, so I thought, I can’t complain and I know I have to keep doing this work.”

At tables outside grocery stores, at community events, Shelton-Clark and fellow Caucus members have been leading the voter registration charge in Manatee County’s Black communities.

“It’s still shocking to me,” she said. “We should be too busy and swamped with voters and volunteers. But it’s very hard getting people to do the very easiest part of democracy – showing up at the ballot box, especially when you can do it from home!

“We are seeing what happens when we don’t show up to vote. Our people are disrespected. Our history is devalued. Our rights are eroded,” she said. “Democracy is in serious danger when we don’t come out in the numbers we’ve had in the past.”

Shelton-Clark also points out, “Once you’ve voted, it’s important to keep having your voice heard by letting elected officials know what you need and what your community needs.  Sitting back and complaining doesn’t do anything for anyone.” She added, “Not helping the people who are actively involved is also a problem we run into. The work isn’t glamorous but it is fun standing up for your principles with like-minded people and I encourage everyone to consider joining us. Volunteer. Get involved.

“With Democrats in office at every level, we can get so much good work done,” she said. “A Democrat in the highest office is one thing but he or she can’t get what we want done without the legislators, too. Obstruction from the people who hate democracy is threatening our country’s greatness.”