This from the Democratic National Committee. It’s the list of today’s speakers, singers and such from the rally at the Arena.
Background on Speakers Scheduled to Participate in “Moving America Forward” Rally with President Obama in Bridgeport, CT
Organizing Rally features Mayor Dan Malloy, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Mayor Bill Fitch; Hip hop pioneer Russell Simmons and Other Community Leader
Bridgeport, CT—On Saturday, October 30, 2010, President Obama will be joined by local community leaders and Mayor Dan Malloy, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Mayor Bill Finch and Russell Simmons for a Moving America Forward Rally at The Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. Following is brief background on some of the speakers participating in the Philadelphia rally:
Mayor Dan Malloy: Dan Malloy served as the Mayor of Stamford for 14 years, the longest tenure in city history, beginning in 1995. During his time in office Malloy fought to reduce the crime rate in Stamford, making the city one of the top 10 safest places to live in the United States.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal: Attorney General Blumenthal has served in his position since 1990 and is currently serving his fifth term. As Attorney General, Blumenthal has stood up to Big Tobacco’s deceptive marketing campaigns aimed at Connecticut youth, taken on environmental polluters, and fought to protect consumer rights. Before serving as Attorney General, Blumenthal spent six years in the Connecticut General Assembly and four years as U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Congressman Jim Himes: Congressman Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District which includes the cities of Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Stamford. He currently serves as a member of the House Financial Services and Homeland Security Committees. Since being elected to office in 2008, Congressman Himes has been a strong advocate for improving public schools, providing tax relief for the middle class, and drafting and passing Wall Street reform.
Mayor Bill Finch: Bill Finch is currently serving as Mayor of Bridgeport after being elected in 2007. Before being elected Mayor, Finch served seven years in the Connecticut State Senate. During his time as Mayor and in the State Senate, Bill Finch worked as a tireless advocate for tax reform and fiscal responsibility. For his leadership, Mayor Finch has been recognized for helping to create a thriving business community, earning several awards from business leaders.
Russell Simmons: Simmons’ work has been credited with influencing music, fashion, finance, television, film and philanthropy. Giving back is of primary importance to him and as Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, he has consistently used his celebrity to influence the recording industry, fashion, television, financial services, and jewelry sectors to give back. Russell also leads the non-profit division of his business, Rush Community Affairs, and its ongoing commitment to empowering at-risk youth through education, the arts, and social engagement.
Invocation – Rev. Kenneth H. Moales, Jr: Rev. Moales is a spiritual leader in the Bridgeport area. He is the son of Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr., the founding pastor of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, who recently passed away. Bishop Moales founded and managed numerous organizations involved in nurturing local youth and creating strong and supportive communities. For his work in faith and community, Bishop Moales received numerous awards and was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pledge of Allegiance – Joseph Minto: Joseph Minto is a veteran of World War II and saw some of the hardest days of the war firsthand. He has since become an advocate for the remembrance of World War II and for veterans across the country.
Ibrahim Salau: Ibrahim Salau was born and raised in Nigeria. After receiving his Ph. D. he immigrated to the United States, where he became an American citizen in 2008. That same year, he cast his first vote for Barack Obama for President. Since then, he has become an active member of the Democratic Party.
National Anthem – Wendy Gerbier:
Kellie Dupree: Kellie Dupree is the Connecticut State Director of Organizing for America. Prior to joining Organizing for America Kellie was part of Unity ’09 a coalition that advocated for a variety of progressive issues. For the 5 years prior, she held various positions at EMILY’s List working to elect Democratic women to all levels of office. Kellie is a Hartford resident.
Bronze Radio Return: The Hartford band Bronze Radio Return plays a style described as a “juxtaposition of the old and the new.” The unique sound of the band, influenced by artists from Stevie Wonder to Stevie Ray Vaughn, has given them a strong following across the northeast.
The Bridgeport rally will be the 8th in a series of “Moving America Forward” events with the President. The President has held events in Madison, WI, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, Los Angeles, CA, and Las Vegas, NV. As part of “get-out-the-vote” efforts this coming weekend, President Obama will also attend events in Philadelphia, PA and Chicago, IL on October 30 and in Cleveland, OH on October 31. Previous “Moving America Forward” rallies drew tens of thousands of supporters and have been credited with energizing Democrats and improving poll numbers for candidates.
Wendy Gerbier is a trained opera singer, violinist, composer, and choir director. In 2005, she was named Connecticut’s official ambassador for the National Anthem. Wendy is a Stamford resident, where she is active in the community. She works as a music educator and has developed a curriculum in which she introduces students to classical music.
Background on Speakers Scheduled to Participate in “Moving America Forward” Rally with President Obama in Bridgeport, CT
Organizing Rally features Mayor Dan Malloy, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Mayor Bill Fitch; Hip hop pioneer Russell Simmons and Other Community Leader
Bridgeport, CT—On Saturday, October 30, 2010, President Obama will be joined by local community leaders and Mayor Dan Malloy, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Mayor Bill Finch and Russell Simmons for a Moving America Forward Rally at The Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. Following is brief background on some of the speakers participating in the Philadelphia rally:
Mayor Dan Malloy: Dan Malloy served as the Mayor of Stamford for 14 years, the longest tenure in city history, beginning in 1995. During his time in office Malloy fought to reduce the crime rate in Stamford, making the city one of the top 10 safest places to live in the United States.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal: Attorney General Blumenthal has served in his position since 1990 and is currently serving his fifth term. As Attorney General, Blumenthal has stood up to Big Tobacco’s deceptive marketing campaigns aimed at Connecticut youth, taken on environmental polluters, and fought to protect consumer rights. Before serving as Attorney General, Blumenthal spent six years in the Connecticut General Assembly and four years as U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Congressman Jim Himes: Congressman Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District which includes the cities of Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Stamford. He currently serves as a member of the House Financial Services and Homeland Security Committees. Since being elected to office in 2008, Congressman Himes has been a strong advocate for improving public schools, providing tax relief for the middle class, and drafting and passing Wall Street reform.
Mayor Bill Finch: Bill Finch is currently serving as Mayor of Bridgeport after being elected in 2007. Before being elected Mayor, Finch served seven years in the Connecticut State Senate. During his time as Mayor and in the State Senate, Bill Finch worked as a tireless advocate for tax reform and fiscal responsibility. For his leadership, Mayor Finch has been recognized for helping to create a thriving business community, earning several awards from business leaders.
Russell Simmons: Simmons’ work has been credited with influencing music, fashion, finance, television, film and philanthropy. Giving back is of primary importance to him and as Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, he has consistently used his celebrity to influence the recording industry, fashion, television, financial services, and jewelry sectors to give back. Russell also leads the non-profit division of his business, Rush Community Affairs, and its ongoing commitment to empowering at-risk youth through education, the arts, and social engagement.
Invocation – Rev. Kenneth H. Moales, Jr: Rev. Moales is a spiritual leader in the Bridgeport area. He is the son of Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr., the founding pastor of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, who recently passed away. Bishop Moales founded and managed numerous organizations involved in nurturing local youth and creating strong and supportive communities. For his work in faith and community, Bishop Moales received numerous awards and was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pledge of Allegiance – Joseph Minto: Joseph Minto is a veteran of World War II and saw some of the hardest days of the war firsthand. He has since become an advocate for the remembrance of World War II and for veterans across the country.
Ibrahim Salau: Ibrahim Salau was born and raised in Nigeria. After receiving his Ph. D. he immigrated to the United States, where he became an American citizen in 2008. That same year, he cast his first vote for Barack Obama for President. Since then, he has become an active member of the Democratic Party.
National Anthem – Wendy Gerbier:
Kellie Dupree: Kellie Dupree is the Connecticut State Director of Organizing for America. Prior to joining Organizing for America Kellie was part of Unity ’09 a coalition that advocated for a variety of progressive issues. For the 5 years prior, she held various positions at EMILY’s List working to elect Democratic women to all levels of office. Kellie is a Hartford resident.
Bronze Radio Return: The Hartford band Bronze Radio Return plays a style described as a “juxtaposition of the old and the new.” The unique sound of the band, influenced by artists from Stevie Wonder to Stevie Ray Vaughn, has given them a strong following across the northeast.Wendy Gerbier is a trained opera singer, violinist, composer, and choir director. In 2005, she was named Connecticut’s official ambassador for the National Anthem. Wendy is a Stamford resident, where she is active in the community. She works as a music educator and has developed a curriculum in which she introduces students to classical music.
The Bridgeport rally will be the 8th in a series of “Moving America Forward” events with the President. The President has held events in Madison, WI, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, Los Angeles, CA, and Las Vegas, NV. As part of “get-out-the-vote” efforts this coming weekend, President Obama will also attend events in Philadelphia, PA and Chicago, IL on October 30 and in Cleveland, OH on October 31. Previous “Moving America Forward” rallies drew tens of thousands of supporters and have been credited with energizing Democrats and improving poll numbers for candidates.