Dallas Weekly’s Day of Civics: A Morning with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and an Afternoon at Civilized Fest

Dallas, TX – Members of the Dallas Weekly team spent the past Saturday immersed in civic engagement around the city, attending two significant events that highlighted the importance of education and community involvement.

The morning began at Paul Quinn College, the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Dallas. The exclusive event featured a special appearance by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who engaged in a Q&A session with the college’s president Dr. Michael J. Sorrell. The discussion showcased and highlighted the potential for collaboration and progress across state lines as the Maryland Governor drew parallels between the two states.

The morning provided high school and college students with valuable lessons in leadership, policy, and the intersection of education and governance as Governor Moore shared insights into his life, career, and offered valuable advice to the young students in attendance. The students also were in for additional surprises in the form of pop up visits from US Representative Jasmine Crockett, Texas Senator Royce West and several additional elected officials and community leaders who showed up to round out the room.

Dallas Weekly’s CEO, Jess Washington took a moment to discuss with the Governor the importance of the Black press and local journalism in the role both play in civic education and community engagement.

Following a morning at Paul Quinn College with Governor Wes Moore, the Dallas Weekly team made a notable appearance at the Civilized Fest at Cedar Valley Community College, founded and hosted by Shy Speaks. The festival was dedicated to civic education and engagement, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers, artists, and performers – including a headlining performance by rapper Scrappy.

As a sponsor of the festival, the team had the opportunity to engage with the community and participate in a segment called “Civics 101” – named after video series, produced by the Dallas Weekly, that aims to demystify civics topics related to the city of Dallas and empowering citizens with essential knowledge.

The “Civics 101” roundtable discussion allowed Dallas Weekly’s Marlissa Collier to share expertise and passion for civic education and engagement alongside Texas State Representative Carl Sherman (TX-109) and Shy Speaks. By providing clear and concise information, the team helped to bridge the gap between complex civic issues and the everyday lives of Dallas residents.

While the Civilized Festival was largely a success, there was a notable incident involving the Dallas College Police. The department set up numerous security checkpoints that the festival’s team and some attendees deemed excessive and intimidating, leading to patrons being refused entry, a delayed start, and the premature wrapping of the event an hour before the contracted end time. The incident concluded with officers lining the walls of the venue and ultimately cutting the sound as Lil’ Scrappy performed.

Though the Civilized Fest’s team released an official statement about the incident and promising to pursue legal action, the overwhelming police presence raised questions about the balance between security and public access to community events – specifically around events focused on civic engagement and voter registration efforts.

Overall, Dallas Weekly’s involvement with both events highlighted the importance of civic engagement, education, and community involvement in Dallas. The events provided valuable opportunities for young people to learn from leaders, connect with their community, and gain a deeper understanding of civic issues. Though without incident, the day was a testament to the Dallas Weekly’s commitment to serving its community.

Related