During the meeting, DBCF President Henry Crespo briefly discussed his vision and strategic plan for the DBCF, and posed for a picture with RBDCSD President Dorothy Jackson and Tyrell Hall, Legislative Assistant for Senator Dwight Bullard 39^th District)  

DBCF’s 31^st Annual 2 Day Conference, held April 26 and 27, 2013 at the Double Tree by the Hilton at Orlando, Sea World, attracted members from almost every DBCF chapter across the state of Florida.

Outgoing President Dr. Bruce Miles described the 2 day conference as “high spirited”, where members enjoyed a “Network Reception” Friday evening, and on Saturday, members participated in workshops on “History of the DBCF”, Recertification, and “Voting and Elections”, and finally DBCF elections.

Despite some minor confusion and contention during the election process, almost everyone who attended the conference seemed to have had a good time and looks forward to the vision of newly elected President Henry Crespo and his team making the DBCF a more respected and effective organization in the political process in the state of Florida.

“Senator Joyner with her extensive experience in the House of Representatives and the Senate has proven to be an effective legislator and champion for her constituents and the people of the state of Florida. 

The DBCF looks forward to working with Ms. Joyner, who has been at the forefront in the fight to improve life for Floridians through the political process in Florida." President Crespo stated. 

Henry Crespo Elected President of Democratic Black Caucus of Florida
By Louis C Ward

During his campaign, Crespo visited many of the DBCF chapters, discussing the issues and problems of the organization, and his strategic plan to make the DBCF a more respected, astute, and powerful political organization. Apparently he impressed a large majority of registered Democratic Black Caucus members.  His election was a mandate from the voters for new leadership and a change of direction for the DBCF. 

Crespo immediately summoned his newly elected executive board and took control of the historical Black political organization that “was established in 1983 to unite and increase the political power for Black Democrats who went unnoticed.”

Also elected was Lydia Hudson, 1^st Vice President; LaVonne Grayson, 2^nd Vice President; Dorothy Jackson, Secretary; and Francine Garcia, Treasurer. Newly elected officers are from Hillsborough, Seminole, Miami-Dade, and Lake Counties, respectively.  Many felt the newly elected executive board would be better able to represent the concerns of the various geographical areas in the state of Florida.

Crespo said his first order of action will focus on increasing the number of DBCF’s County Chapters, and to make sure existing chapters have everything in place so that they are in compliance with local bylaws and guidelines to pass the recertification process, which is due in July.

“A strategic plan of action, Crespo said, is necessary, and one will be developed to accomplish the mission, goals and objectives of the DBCF, which will bring us in line to move Forward.  Hopefully, our strategic plan of action will be completed before the end of 2013.”

Responding to the relationship between the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) and DBCF, Crespo wants a relationship with the FDP that will identify, engage, educate, and motivate democratic voters to elect more democrats in the state to affect public policy.

Mrs. Allison Tant-Richard Chairwoman of the FDP, sees a positive relationship between the DBCF and the FDP toimprove identify, engage and motive Florida Democrats. “The FDP will work alongside the DBCF to register voters and get them to the polls.  They (FDP and DBCF) will help spread Democratic values and highlight the failures of the GOP into communities across the state which will play a key role in defeating Rick Scott.”

Newly elected DBCF officers were sworn in by Annette Taddeo, 2nd Vice Chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party. Download Full Story here