The Anson County Democratic Party hosted its annual county convention April 8 at the Hampton B. Allen Library beginning at 9 a.m. with a full breakfast.

Chairwoman Cynthia Wallace of the 9th Congressional District was present during breakfast. The breakfast was catered by Debra Funderburk, Vancine Sturdivant and Dr. Bernice Bennett.

The guest speaker was Clerk of Superior Court for Anson County, Mark Hammonds.

The theme for the convention was “Tomorrow’s Victories Begin with You,” emphasizing that the Democratic Party has the power to achieve victories in the upcoming elections.

Citizens were greeted by chairwoman Sturdivant during registration. The convention was called to order at 10 a.m. and Sturdivant gave the welcome. A moment of silence was held for Doris B. Smith, Rufus Getzens and Marshall Little, and the invocation was given by the Rev. Michael McLeod, the party’s third vice-chairman.

Sheriff Landric Reid conducted the pledge of allegiance. Wadesboro Police Chief Thedis Spencer was present to welcome everyone to Anson County.

Hammonds was the guest speaker.

“True and lasting victories come from only when the cause is one of honor and are obtained when girded with the proper armor,” he said. “Napoleon said, ‘Victory belongs to the most persevering.’ Our cause is the people, all people; no exceptions.”

“Our armor, created in 1789, The Bill of Rights, that contain no exceptions, limitations, or distinctions as to whom is privileged by them,” he said. “First and foremost; our persevering comes from God Almighty.”

The election of officers was conducted by Lonnie Baucom. Officers for the new term were elected. Sturdivant, Hammonds and McLeod remained in office. New officers are as follows:

• Second vice-chairwoman — Rozetta Coxe

• Secretary — Priscilla Little

• Treasurer — LaShonda Spencer

• Assistant Treasurer — Wanda Talbert

Kim Hargett, of Union County, was present and presented Sturdivant with three tickets and a treat bag to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game. Sturdivant presented the tickets to MeLinda Allen, son Javis, and Brenda Broadway. For being the youngest Democrat present, Javis also won the Hornets treat bag.

Deputy Clerk Barbara Thomas recognized candidates, guests and elected officials: Ernest Walker, first vice-chairman of the 9th Congressional District, Commissioner Ross Streater, Register of Deeds Joanne Huntley, Judge Weaver Thomas, Morven town councilman Tim Watkins, Dannie Montgomery and James “Freddie” Paxton.

Anson County Commissioner Chairwoman Anna Baucom made all citizens in attendance aware of the obstacles Democrats face and challenged all citizens present to go into their communities and encourage others to get prepared for the 2017 election.

“The Democratic Party is a party that is known for helping others,” Sturdivant said. “The Democratic Party is known for their courage to stand up and address issues. We know no other way.”

For the Record From left: Michael McLeod, third vice-chairman; Rozetta Coxe, second vice-chairwoman; Vancine Sturdivant, chairwoman; and Mark Hammonds, first vice-chairman.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_2017-Democratic-Convention-fz.jpgFor the Record From left: Michael McLeod, third vice-chairman; Rozetta Coxe, second vice-chairwoman; Vancine Sturdivant, chairwoman; and Mark Hammonds, first vice-chairman.

For the Record The audience listens as speakers present at the county Democratic convention.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_2017-Democratic-Convention-4-fz.jpgFor the Record The audience listens as speakers present at the county Democratic convention.

For the Record Javis Allen, left, won a treat bag from Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant — who had received it from Kim Hargett, of Union County, right — for being the youngest present.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_2017-Democratic-Convention-3-fz.jpgFor the Record Javis Allen, left, won a treat bag from Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant — who had received it from Kim Hargett, of Union County, right — for being the youngest present.

For the Record The audience listens as Mark Hammonds, first vice-chairman, addresses it at the county Democratic convention.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_2017-Democratic-Convention-2-fz.jpgFor the Record The audience listens as Mark Hammonds, first vice-chairman, addresses it at the county Democratic convention.

For the Record