CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Democratic Party held its annual Blue South Banquet on Saturday at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. The event had several speakers who spoke on community involvement and the upcoming election cycle.

The event also featured a silent auction. The funds raised through the auction and other activities will help support Democratic candidates and campaign efforts across Montgomery County. Attendees also participated in straw polls for several upcoming races. The polls were informal opportunities for party members to engage with candidates and show early support for those seeking to be elected.

Busy conference hall with round tables and attendees listening to a speaker on stage, two projection screens visible.",
Speaker at a podium with blue floral arrangement, giving a talk at a banquet with flags behind him.
Man in a suit gives a speech at a podium with a microphone, American flag behind him and colorful flowers nearby.
Two smiling women posing together at a reception, each holding a drink with tables and guests in the background.
Two men in blue suits stand together for a photo at a Democratic Party event, with a Montgomery County Democrats backdrop in blue behind them.
Two men in suits posing for a photo at a formal event in a bright, window-filled hall (one in a gray suit, the other in a black suit with a bow tie and gold chain).
Three smiling women on a stage; center woman in white suit with yellow scarf holds a trophy flanked by two others in dark outfits. Flags visible in the background.
Two women share a warm hug at a formal event; one in a purple hat and dress, the other in black, with a smiling man in a blue suit nearby.
Group of ten adults in formal attire posing indoors for a photo; central woman holds a certificate and red folder at an award ceremony.
Woman speaks at a podium adorned with flowers at a BlueSouth banquet, with U.S. flags and three people standing to the side on stage.
Woman giving a speech at a podium with a microphone, floral arrangement to her left and an American flag behind.
Group of diverse adults posing for a photo at a Democratic event with a blue banner and balloons in the background.
Two women speak at a decorated podium with a floral arrangement; banner reads 'BlueSouth banquet' and 'We the People 250' with flags in the background.
Female speaker at a podium, wearing a dark blazer, smiling as she addresses an audience, with flowers and an American flag behind her.
African American woman in a blue lace dress speaks at a podium with a colorful flower arrangement and an American flag behind her.
Table sign reading 'TABLE 16' at an event table, with a decorative vase of blue, white, and green flowers and ivy garlands nearby
African American man in a plaid suit delivering a speech at a podium with flowers and the US flag behind him.
Older woman in a blue lace dress speaks at a decorated podium with yellow and blue flowers, American and other flags in the background, audience in the foreground.
Two women posing for a photo at a banquet, one in a blue blazer and patterned blouse and the other in a navy lace dress with a red flower in her hair, smiling at the camera.
Smiling African American woman in glasses speaks into a microphone at a podium, with an American flag in the background and flowers nearby
People browse a long table of donated items at a charity auction, with notepads, pens, and display prizes along a windowed wall.
Smiling couple posing at a formal event: woman in a blue one-shoulder dress and man in a gray suit with a blue bow tie and name badge.
Event program on a gold charger plate at a formal table setting, commemorating 250 years of Americans doing extraordinary things
Two smiling adults pose together with arms around each other at a formal event, with tables and guests in the background.
Three women in a bright room wearing colorful dresses, chatting and holding plastic cups at a social gathering.
Group of four adults on a stage, a speaker at a podium decorated with blue flowers and a 250-year banner behind them.
Three adults posing together in a hallway at a formal event; man in a plaid suit with an orange shirt and patterned tie flanked by two women in white outfits, all smiling.

The evening’s theme, “We the People: 250 Years of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things,” was talked about throughout the program as speakers discussed public service and community involvement.

Opening remarks focused on the legacy of Clarksville native Wilma Rudolph, who was recognized not only for her Olympic achievements but also for her role in advocating for equal rights. Attendees were encouraged to support local candidates and participate in the political process.

“Running for office is never easy. It requires sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to serve something greater than yourself,” Dr. Duana Hall told attendees while recognizing candidates seeking office in 2026.

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Several candidates and community leaders addressed the crowd during the evening. CMCSS School Board candidate Carol Berry spoke about public education and the role of the school board. Berry discussed her concerns about recent school board decisions, criticized vouchers and charter schools, and called for policies she believes better support students, teachers and public education. “We’ve got to do what’s best for public education,” Berry said.

Awards for community service

The Montgomery County Democratic Party also presented its annual Torchbearer Award to Karen Reynolds for her years of community service and grassroots organizing. During her acceptance speech, Reynolds encouraged civic participation and voter turnout, telling attendees, “My superpower and everybody else in this room is that we keep showing up.”

The banquet also included a special presentation recognizing longtime advocate Mary Richards. State Rep. Ronnie Glynn presented Richards with a proclamation honoring her contributions and service to the community.

Candidates for judge, county mayor

Judicial candidate Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal spoke about her background in education and law while outlining her qualifications for General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge. Neal talked about her experience working with youth and families, discussed gaps in the justice system, and the importance of fairness and due process in judicial decisions. “Justice must always be unbiased,” Neal said. “I bring integrity and professionalism and passion for justice.”

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County mayoral candidate Isaac Greenwood discussed several priorities he said would guide his campaign, including free school meals for children, better-lit roads and affordable housing. Greenwood also spoke about the role of local government and said he believes communities can address issues without waiting for action from higher levels of government. “I’m tired of the narrative that there’s nothing that we can do at the local level to improve our lives,” Greenwood said. Greenwood also spoke about listening to residents and gathering feedback from the community. “I work hard, I work smart, I think long term. And most importantly, I listen.”

Importance of local government

Members of the Montgomery County Commission Democratic Caucus also addressed attendees about local government decisions and the role county commissioners play in funding schools, infrastructure and county services.

Commissioner Rashidah Leverett encouraged residents to become more involved in local government and elections. “You will not see Donald Trump in Kroger, but you will see us,” Leverett said. “You will see us pumping gas. You will see us buying groceries. You will see us in our communities.” Leverett said local elected officials directly impact residents’ daily lives and encouraged support for Democratic candidates seeking county commission seats.

The banquet concluded with remarks from Montgomery County Democratic Party Chair Christine McKinney, who reflected on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and recognized military veterans in attendance. McKinney connected the evening’s theme to the service of ordinary citizens throughout history. “Communities change because people change them,” McKinney said. “Political tides shift through time.” She encouraged everyone to stay active in the community.

The annual Blue South Banquet is one of the Montgomery County Democratic Party’s largest fundraising and community events of the year.

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