The Natchitoches Parish Voters & Civic League announces Keith Ellison, Democratic Congressmen from Minnesota with Natchitoches Parish roots, will be the featured speaker at its voter education/voter registration banquet Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center.
Ellison has been the voice for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District five terms. His policy agenda is based on four key priorities – peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability and support for civil and human rights. Ellison was elected Vice-President of the Democratic National Committee and he is a frequent guest on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
His Natchitoches Parish/Louisiana connection is rooted in the Balthazar and Martinez families of the Melrose community.
Former students of Natchitoches Parish Training School, Central High School and the Central Area Trade School will recall the educational and life mentorship by his grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Doris) Martinez. They were his mother’s, Clytia Cora “Pet” Martinez Ellison’s parents, who resided in the 400 block of what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in
Natchitoches. His grandmother was for many years a second grade specialist and his grandfather was an industrial arts teacher prior to becoming the first Director of the Central Area Trade School.
John E. Winston Sr., President of the League and the Banquet Steering Committee said tickets are $25 per person or corporate tables are offered $500 per table. Each corporate sponsor will be recognized at the event and will become a part of the commemorative souvenir booklet.
State Rep. Karen Carter Peterson will be among the guests.
For tickets or more information contact Winston at 228-5798 or Ed Ward at 352-4404.
