Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News "History Has Been Made in Virginia"

November 15, 2023

Congratulations to Delegate-Elect Karen Keys-Gamarra who will succed me in representing the 7th District in the House of Delegates.

IN THIS ISSUE

Commentary: History Has Been Made in Virginia
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COMMENTARY

History Has Been Made in Virginia

My column last week was written on Tuesday evening soon after the election polls were closed. Even with electronic voting the process of counting ballots especially with early and absentee voting takes a while. I did not know the specific outcome of many of the races when I entitled my column “Bloodless Revolution.” It was obvious to me that without a shot being fired or a protest being held that the election results were going to mark important changes in the Old Dominion. By Wednesday morning when final numbers came trickling in it was clear that I was right in what I was seeing.

History was made in Virginia last week. Yes, part of that history was the flipping of the House of Delegates from Republican to Democratic control. Yes, with all the money spent on trying to flip the State Senate from Democratic to Republican control, Democrats strengthened their majority by winning enough seats that the Republican Lieutenant Governor will not be called upon to break tied votes.

The historical outcome is in those who won. For the first time since Reconstruction in 1870 Black delegates will wield considerable power. The first Black Speaker of the House will be elected when the House organizes in January. The majority leader in the House will be a Black woman delegate. An Asian woman will chair the Democratic caucus in the House of Delegates. Black women delegates will chair more committees than I can count on one hand. White male delegates will be in the minority in the House Democratic caucus. All that is historic and good for the democracy that is state government in Virginia.

As if that is not enough! On the Senate side the majority leader of the Democrats will be a Black woman. The president pro tem of the Senate will remain a Black woman.

When I first went to the House of Delegates in 1978 you could count the number of Black senators and delegates combined on one hand. The fairness of election laws and the hard work of the men and women involved have brought about these changes.

There will be those who work to unravel what has been accomplished this year. We must be vigilant, and we must continue to work hard to identify candidates who will do the hard work of electioneering. Those elected this year will be role models for those who seek office in the future. A lot of work remains to be done, but we are on our way. Celebrate now for there are still challenges ahead, but the moral arc of the universe is moving in the right direction.

BULLETIN BOARD

Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event: Saturday, December 2

Beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and many other one-of-a-kind items will be sold by the artists. This event takes place in conjunction with the annual “Gifts from the HeART” 2D and 3D exhibits, which showcase original works of art in a variety of media and a wide range of sizes and prices. Artists are asked to donate 10 percent of the proceeds to benefit the ongoing community work of Cornerstones. Learn more.

Giving Tuesday is November 28

GivingTuesday is all about celebrating each and every single act of generosity we have to offer. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor out, or showing up for an issue or people we care about, we each have something to contribute. Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back – not just today but every day. More is at Giving Tuesday.

Reston Community Center Celebration of

Senator Howell and Delegate Plum

RSVP to [email protected]

WHAT CAN I DO? CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Join Your Neighbors in Giving Thanks

Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.

The Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service unites people from multiple faith and spiritual backgrounds in the spirit of gratitude. The service, at United Christian Parish, 11508 N Shore Drive, Reston, is led by faith leaders, political representatives and non-profit leaders from the Northern Virginia community. You will hear songs, meditations, readings, poems and prayers from a variety of faith and spiritual traditions.

Attend onsite or online!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 1 through 20, Reston Community Center Thanksgiving Food Drive 2023. Information on volunteering, drop-off locations and items needed is at Food Drive.

Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Reston's Disco Era, at Reston Community Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza N, Reston. Join Reston Museum as we take a journey through time to the Reston of the 1970s. Utilizing historic archival images from the museum's collection the program explores the dynamic growth of Reston during this decade. Register here.

Saturday, November 18, 8:00 a.m. to noon, Reston Farmers Market, at Lake Anne. Rain or shine every Saturday from now through December 2. More information is at Reston Farmers Market.

Saturday, November 18, 4:00 p.m., Town of Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race. This cross country 5K scenic run is a pre-Thanksgiving tradition. Long-sleeve athletic shirts to first 350 registered runners. Registration is now open.

Sunday, November 19, noon to 2:00 p.m., The 2nd Annual Lake Anne Brewhouse Chili Cook-off benefiting the RoSigle Foundation. Access the QR code at this link for more details.

Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 p.m., Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, at United Christian Parish, 11508 N Shore Drive, Reston. The Thanksgiving Interfaith service unites people from multiple faith and spiritual backgrounds in the spirit of gratitude. The service is led by faith leaders, political representatives and non-profit leaders from the Northern Virginia community. You will hear songs, meditations, readings, poems and prayers from a variety of faith and spiritual traditions. Attend onsite or online!

Friday, November 24, 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m., Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, at Reston Town Center. Celebrating its 32nd year, the one-of-a-kind, one-hour, half-mile parade along Market Street welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Since 1992, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving. After the parade, the Clauses will return for the Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m. on Market Street.

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