The two-day conference was filled with over 120 essays and presentations covering a wide range of history topics and subjects. Presenters came to Austin Peay State University from across the country for this intense and detailed conference.

APSU Dr. Greg Ribidoux moderated the panel on Development of the Constitution in American History. APSU President Tim Hall gave a engrossing presentation in this session. His topic, “Against Ecumenical Impulse: Religious Separatism and the Value of Factions” was a revelatory review of the thoughts and beliefs of the early leaders of the new nation, the United States of America and how to best deal with the feared tyranny of the majority that could result under democratic rule.

James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Sam Adams all felt that religious sectarian diversity would be the best means by which to frustrate the tyranny of a religious majority in a democratic style government. Research shows that claims that ours is a Christian nation are well off the mark, as the early settlers showed themselves to be equally guilty of religious intolerance as it had been practiced against them in England. In terms of government, many of our founding leaders believed that religious separatism ensures liberty for others in the pursuit of a civic toleration of differing perspectives.

Garret Spivey, Lee University, spoke on Justice Hugo Black in , “From Southern Populist to Constitutional Champion: Hugo Black and the Wage Hour Bill.” Black, being from Alabama and a strong Southern Populist, waged a dedicated struggle to alleviate low wages and pursued that effort all the way into the U.S. Senate and the on to the U.S. Supreme Court. Black sought to improve the plight of the working class by improving their wages. He was held in high regard by union leaders for his stance in support of a minimum wage and the thirty-hour work week. He tried several legislative efforts at setting a hourly minimum wage and weekly maximum hours. His fellow Southern Democrats however, did not share his perspective. In his struggle to secure this legislation he proved to be a strong adherent of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s progressive agenda. Provoked to a rare display of emotion, Senator Black defended his bill against his fellow southerners.

“I subscribe,” he shouted in the Senate, “to the gospel that a man who is born in Alabama and who can do as much work as a man born in any state in New England is entitled to the same pay if he does the same work.” [1]

The Black-Connery bill passed the Senate on August 1, only to become stalled in the House. * In the end, he finally saw success with the passage of the Fair standards Labor Act of 1938. [2]

Paul Beezley give his presentation during the Re-imaging the Past, Imaging the Future in the Late 19th Century Panel session

With his nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, Black’s past association with the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) would came to haunt him. While never an ardent member, he would remark later in his judicial career that having been exposed to the Klan helped he to understand and counter bigotry and intolerance.

Other topics covered in the first day included Panel 1 – Democracy and Knowledge in the Early Republic: “Richard Hildreth and the Whig Quest for a Philosophy of Democracy,” “The Problem of ‘Authority’ in Spiritualist Discourse, 1848-1865.”; Panel 3 – Roundtable on American Crisis, Southern Solutions: From Where We Stand, Promise and Peril; Panel 4 – Native American Cultural Identity: From Its Origins to European Influences; Panel 7 – Just War and the United Nations Policy for Authorizing Military Intervention; Panel 10: Female Imagery; Panel 14 – History on the Internet; Panel 20: Africa Post-Colonization; Panel 22: Reimaging the Past, Imaging the Future in the Late 19th Century and Panel 25: Phi Alpha Theta Documentary Film- “War and the Larkin Family.”

For this event, the third floor of Morgan University Center was the staging area for the conference as presenters conduct concurring sessions to discuss their various essays and papers. Registration was handled in the concourse area of the third floor. Vendors from various historical book publishing firms set up an extended sales area for those wishing to peruse their diverse selection of subject matter. Conference gift bags, buttons, posters and T-shirts were available for purchase. Professor Cynthia Marsh and her graphics art students gave demonstrations of the Goldsmith Printing Press using the Rare Type Collection. The conference logo was created by APSU art student Yvette Campagna and the gift bags and posters were printed using the printing press.

In addition to attendees from APSU students and professors, participants came from Ohio State University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Murray State University, Western Kentucky State , Kentucky State University, University of South Alabama, Cumberland University, New Mexico University, West Virginia University-Morgantown, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, Tennessee Technological University, Texas A&M University, Middle Tennessee State University, Hunter College of CUNY, Lee University, Marshall University, University of Chicago and Berea College, to name but just a few of the colleges and universities represented by the presenters.

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[1] & [2] – http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/1968/3/1968_3_60.shtml

Senator Rosalind Kurita, flanked by MCDP Chairman Gene Lewis (right) and Rep. Joe Pitts (left) cut the ribbon to officially open MCDP Election headquarters

With the handicap access ramp’s paint scent still fresh in the air, Tuesday evening saw the Montgomery County Democratic Party, (MCDP), host a jubilant election headquarters grand opening. Party officials, elected representatives and ‘names to remember’ were on hand to mark the event. The ribbon cutting at 534 Madison Street was marked with congratulatory thanks to all the supporters who came out to the event. The office will be open from 2-5 p.m. until the Democratic Convention is over; after the convention, it will be open full time.

New ramp makes handicapped access easy at MCDP headquarters

State Rep. Joe Pitts, State Senator Rosalind Kurita, former House Majority Leader Kim MacMillan along with MCDP Chair Gene Lewis all held the ribbon as a smiling Senator Kurita cut the cloth. With a smooth single stroke, the headquarters doors were open and everyone flowed inside for refreshments. Attendance was estimated to be over 150 persons.

The MCDP will conduct and coordinate all of its 2008 general elections campaign activities at this location. In addition, Clarksville for Obama will conduct all of its remaining campaign activities from the 534 Madison Street site as well. The building sits at the intersection of University Blvd. and Madison Street, across from the Madison Street Christ of Christ.

Several of the regional candidates brought campaign material for distribution to promote their campaigns. David Davison provided lawn signs in addition to personal fans. Ryan Morris also had lawn sign signs on hand. The Bob Tuke for Senate Campaign conducted volunteer sign-up. Rev. Charles Moreland had his “Prayer for Obama” brochures on display. Clarksville for Obama staffers had a table with campaign buttons and car bumper stickers for sale. Also a fresh shipment of Obama ‘08 T-shirts arrived and was immediately opened to a myriad of calls for purchase. Senator Kurita was among the first to purchase one of the Obama ‘08 “Change You Can Believe” T-shirt.

Along with the those named above, also in attendance were County Sheriff Norman Lewis, Clarksville for Obama campaigners Jim and Nan Roberts; Cindy Pitts, wife of Rep. Joe Pitts, candidate for 7th Congressional District Ryan G. Morris, candidate for the State House District 78 seat David Davison, Ward 8 City council candidate David Cutting, Senate district 22 challenger Tim Barnes and his wife Linda, TNDP Executive Committeman Keith Jackson, Dr. Richard Gildrie, Dr. Howard Winn, and MCDP Treasurer Barbara Brown.

Also attending were Clarksville for Obama campaigner JoAnn Latz,Tyrone Taylor-Montgomery County Co-Chair for the “Bob Tuke for U.S. Senate” campaign, Dr. George Kurita, MCDP 1st Vice-Chair Kim Smith, Freda and Donald O’Neal, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce member and community activist Angel Natal, Clarksville for Obama Campaign Chairman Terry McMoore, APSU College Democrats President Adam Haynes, MCDP 3rd Vice-Chair Robert Lewis, MCDP 4th Vice-Chair Betsy Ignacio, community activist Virgina Hatcher-Simms along with MCDP Secretary Brenay Poindexter, Horace Murphy and his wife, Dr. Jean Murphy, Caribbean Drums Performer/Instructor Ivin Roberts and Pastor Timothy Grant.

Along with the trays of finger vegetables, sliced meats and cheese, diced fruit, the sheet cake and chilled fruit punch, networking was busily conducted. Introductions, acquaintance renewals and campaign support pledges, well wishes, congratulations and fund-raising abounded.

Upcoming Clarksville for Obama activities include a House Party in Adams, TN on Saturday, August 23rd. More details forthcoming. There will be an “Organize for Change:” Convention Watch Party on August 28th at MCDP Headquarters. For more information on Clarksville for Obama, to purchase t-shirts, buttons or bumper stickers, or to sign up to host a house party, get event hosting assistance or otherwise support the Obama in ‘08 campaign, visit their website: <www.clarksvilleforobama.com.>

The Montgomery County Democratic Party General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, August 26th at the new election campaign Madison Street headquarters. For additional information or questions, please contact: Gene Lewis, MCDP Chairman at (931) 801-6209. As the Democratic Party National Convention sweeps to an end this weekend, the MCDP headquarters will swing into action. the MCDP headquarters phone number is 931-552-5523. Volunteers are always welcome.

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