Lashawn A. Williams, Germaine Tanner, Toria J. Finch, Erica Hughes, Carl Davis, Judge Ramona Franklin, Sedrick T. Walker II, and Shannon Baldwin were just a few of the distinguished individuals who were on hand at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party held at Melodrama Boutique.
What I Believe Black Girl Magic is All About by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
At first glance, one might not understand what Lillie Schechter, Chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party is trying to do by specifically highlighting their nineteen 2018 African American female judicial candidates. But, a closer look reveals that she just might be on to something. You have to keep in mind that traditionally, African American women have been the backbone of the Democratic Party -- just never as the focal point as it relates to their candidacies. But 2018, is different -- these women have stepped up to the plate in these 2018 midterms. And for good reason, after all, they are the primary reason the United States of America was able to elect Barack Obama as the first Black President back in the 2008 Presidential Election. Yes, this is a very risky move. Yes, it’s a play on race. But no, this is not race-baiting. And nope, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with promoting “BLACKNESS” during these very divisive and polarizing political times. But will it work is the million-dollar question? And that my friend, is a question the Harris County voters will answer for us on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, when Democrats and Republican nominees square off. But I will endeavor to explain what I see happening, and why "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" was all the rave on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Melodrama Boutique, located at 5306 Almeda Road – a cozy, personable and sophisticated little boutique owned by Jackie Adams, that’s conveniently located between Third Ward and the Museum District.
Lucia G. Bates, Erica Hughes, Sandra J. Peake, Cassandra Y. Hollemon, Germaine Tanner, Ronnisha Bowman, Linda Dunson, Judge Maria T. Jackson (black and white dress), Angela Graves Harrington, Dedra Davis, Shannon Baldwin, Latosha Lewis Payne, Judge Ramona Franklin, Tonya Jones, Sharon Burney, Michelle Moore, Lori Chambers Gray, Toria J. Finch, and LaShawn A. Williams are the nineteen African American Democratic Judicial nominees who will appear on the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Midterm ballot in Harris County.
Lillie Schechter, the Harris County Democratic Party chair, handing the microphone to Jackie Adams, Owner of Melodrama Boutique at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
Lillie Schechter, the Harris County Democratic Party chair, speaking to the massive crowd at the Melodrama Boutique for the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
What is advertising? In the basic sense, advertising is simply a communication method aimed to get the user of a product or a target audience of people interested in a product or service. The person advertising the product, or service is in many cases looking to influence their target audience and implore then to act, or buy what they’re selling. So, like it or not, the Harris County Democratic Party has a product they're trying to promote to Harris County, Texas voters on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. What is their product? And who is the target audience they’re trying to reach? Well, in this case, the nineteen African American women running for judicial positions on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, are the product Democrats are pushing. And Schechter appears to be going straight after the African American vote – the most highly coveted vote in America. Now, I don’t necessarily know if I would be using “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” as the catchphrase to accomplish this objective, but that’s what they’ve decided to do.
What is marketing? In my opinion, marketing is more of a management process – a way that goods and services move from conceptualization to the customer. In case you don’t know, effective marketing will typically include these four tenets; IDENTIFICATION, PRICE DETERMINATION, A DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, AND A PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY. And just in case you’re wondering, I saw each of these tenets on display on yesterday, Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Melodrama Boutique. Again, I probably would not be using “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” as the means of outreach – but the Harris County Democratic Party has a very highly-respected public relations expert by the name of Dallas Jones on their team. So, I’m sure that Jones and others have looked at the risk factors as it relates to the possible alienation of white Democratic voters and decided that it was a risk worth taking.
Latosha Lewis Payne, Sandra J. Peake, and LaShawn A. Williams at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Lucia G. Bates (middle) and Angela Graves Harrington at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Lucia G. Bates, Fran Watson, LaShawn A. Williams, and Erica Hughes at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Rozzy Shorter and State Representative Ron E. Reynolds at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
A random crowd scene at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Teresa Adigun, Shannon Baldwin, and Rhonda Jordan at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
Judge Jackson is one of the Top Democrats on the 2018 Democratic Statewide Ticket says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©
One of the top statewide Democratic candidates on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Midterm Election ballot in Texas, Judge Maria T. Jackson should garner votes from non-straight ticket voters from both major political parties, independents and Libertarians too in my opinion. In case you don’t already know, only two Democratic candidates received more statewide votes than Judge Maria T. Jackson back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Primary. The #1 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Justin Nelson (888,444) who is running for Attorney General. The #2 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Kim Olson (883,575) who is running for Agriculture Commissioner. And our very own Judge Maria T. Jackson (878,581) was the #3 statewide vote-getter back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Party Primary in Texas. So, if you're out there looking for a candidate who is experienced, fair, and ready to administer blind-fold justice in cases brought before the highest court for criminal appeals in the State of Texas – look no further than Judge Maria T. Jackson on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
WHAT IS BLACK GIRL MAGIC?
According to published reports, "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" is both a concept and a movement that was popularized by CaShawn Thompson back in 2013. This concept is intended as a way to celebrate the beauty, power, and resilience of black women. It's also a way of congratulating black women for their accomplishments. So, in a nutshell, what Lillie Schechter and the Harris County Democratic Party is doing by way of their creative license is to put these nineteen African American women on full display for the world to see, honor, recognize and celebrate.
According to published reports, "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" is both a concept and a movement that was popularized by CaShawn Thompson back in 2013. This concept is intended as a way to celebrate the beauty, power, and resilience of black women. It's also a way of congratulating black women for their accomplishments. So, in a nutshell, what Lillie Schechter and the Harris County Democratic Party is doing by way of their creative license is to put these nineteen African American women on full display for the world to see, honor, recognize and celebrate.
ADVERTISING AND BRANDING MUST COME TOGETHER
What is advertising? In the basic sense, advertising is simply a communication method aimed to get the user of a product or a target audience of people interested in a product or service. The person advertising the product, or service is in many cases looking to influence their target audience and implore then to act, or buy what they’re selling. So, like it or not, the Harris County Democratic Party has a product they're trying to promote to Harris County, Texas voters on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. What is their product? And who is the target audience they’re trying to reach? Well, in this case, the nineteen African American women running for judicial positions on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, are the product Democrats are pushing. And Schechter appears to be going straight after the African American vote – the most highly coveted vote in America. Now, I don’t necessarily know if I would be using “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” as the catchphrase to accomplish this objective, but that’s what they’ve decided to do.
What is marketing? In my opinion, marketing is more of a management process – a way that goods and services move from conceptualization to the customer. In case you don’t know, effective marketing will typically include these four tenets; IDENTIFICATION, PRICE DETERMINATION, A DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, AND A PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY. And just in case you’re wondering, I saw each of these tenets on display on yesterday, Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the Melodrama Boutique. Again, I probably would not be using “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” as the means of outreach – but the Harris County Democratic Party has a very highly-respected public relations expert by the name of Dallas Jones on their team. So, I’m sure that Jones and others have looked at the risk factors as it relates to the possible alienation of white Democratic voters and decided that it was a risk worth taking.
Dallas Jones is in the background with his trusty cell phone in hand as Antron D. Johnson, Tanicka Richardson, Alicia Tolbert, and La Sonya Polk pose for this photo at the Melodrama Boutique.
WHO IS DALLAS JONES?
Dallas Jones is the president and CEO of Elite Change, Inc., a public affairs and strategic communications firm focused on influencing today’s ever-changing political, business, and public landscape according to their website. Since its founding, Elite Change has become a nationally recognized firm operating at all levels of the public, government, and business sectors. Again, according to their website, Elite Change, Inc., endeavors to stay on the cutting edge of all facets of effective strategy, and appears to be very good at understanding current trends, and then using those trends to help their clients win.
IDENTIFICATION: Lillie Schechter and the Harris County Democratic Party appear to believe that having nineteen African-American female judicial candidates on their ballot gives them an edge with African American voters in Harris County, Texas.
PRICE DETERMINATION: Don't get it twisted, I don’t believe that Lillie Schechter, or the Harris County Democratic Party (as an organization) are treating this powerful group of highly respected and distinguished women as some sort of commodity that's on sale. What I think they’re doing here is saying look at what we've accomplished. We are on the cusp of a history-making feat in Harris County, and we need you guys (THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY) to help us put these duly-qualified candidates in office – and doing so would be in your best interest.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS: Well, to their credit, the Harris County Democratic Party did choose an African American businesswoman to support. I’m assuming that they paid something for Jackie Adams to host the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” launch party on a Sunday – especially when Melodrama is typically closed on Sundays. Anyways, according to Dallas Jones you can expect to hear more about their next step – perhaps sometime shortly after Labor Day.
PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY: To understand what the Harris County Democrats are trying to do here, you must first understand that Lillie Schechter is really a political strategist and fundraiser. And just in case you don’t know, Schechter has been advising local and national Democratic candidates for nearly a decade. Now, while this is perhaps a major test for her, what she did show yesterday, with the roll-out of “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” is that she’s not afraid to lay-it-all-on-the-line during this crucial moment in American history. Now, I’m of the opinion that promoting race is a risky proposition, but from what I saw at Melodrama Boutique, the African-American women in attendance did not seem to have any problems whatsoever with being called Black girls.
WHO IS DALLAS JONES?
Dallas Jones is the president and CEO of Elite Change, Inc., a public affairs and strategic communications firm focused on influencing today’s ever-changing political, business, and public landscape according to their website. Since its founding, Elite Change has become a nationally recognized firm operating at all levels of the public, government, and business sectors. Again, according to their website, Elite Change, Inc., endeavors to stay on the cutting edge of all facets of effective strategy, and appears to be very good at understanding current trends, and then using those trends to help their clients win.
IDENTIFICATION: Lillie Schechter and the Harris County Democratic Party appear to believe that having nineteen African-American female judicial candidates on their ballot gives them an edge with African American voters in Harris County, Texas.
PRICE DETERMINATION: Don't get it twisted, I don’t believe that Lillie Schechter, or the Harris County Democratic Party (as an organization) are treating this powerful group of highly respected and distinguished women as some sort of commodity that's on sale. What I think they’re doing here is saying look at what we've accomplished. We are on the cusp of a history-making feat in Harris County, and we need you guys (THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY) to help us put these duly-qualified candidates in office – and doing so would be in your best interest.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS: Well, to their credit, the Harris County Democratic Party did choose an African American businesswoman to support. I’m assuming that they paid something for Jackie Adams to host the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” launch party on a Sunday – especially when Melodrama is typically closed on Sundays. Anyways, according to Dallas Jones you can expect to hear more about their next step – perhaps sometime shortly after Labor Day.
PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY: To understand what the Harris County Democrats are trying to do here, you must first understand that Lillie Schechter is really a political strategist and fundraiser. And just in case you don’t know, Schechter has been advising local and national Democratic candidates for nearly a decade. Now, while this is perhaps a major test for her, what she did show yesterday, with the roll-out of “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” is that she’s not afraid to lay-it-all-on-the-line during this crucial moment in American history. Now, I’m of the opinion that promoting race is a risky proposition, but from what I saw at Melodrama Boutique, the African-American women in attendance did not seem to have any problems whatsoever with being called Black girls.
Attorney Audrie Lawton holding one of the posters distributed by the Harris County Democratic Party at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party held at Melodrama Boutique.
THE BLACK GIRL MAGIC BRAND
So, what is branding? In my opinion, branding is more about connectivity than anything else. However, don’t confuse passing out a push card, or handing out business cards with branding. Passing out push cards could perhaps lead to a branding experience, but the act of passing out promotional items is related more to advertising and marketing. While passing out push cards is an excellent way to market yourself – it isn’t necessarily branding yourself. Branding gives meaning to something – it’s getting your product, service, or in the case of the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” phrase to stick in the minds of African American female voters. So, what the Harris County Democratic Party is trying to do here, is take the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” phrase that African American women have clearly embraced (at least from what I saw on yesterday) and are hoping that the energy and connectivity created around these nineteen African-American 2018 judicial candidates will drive African-American female voters to the polls on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. How will this help other Democrats? I’m glad you asked. I truly believe that Lillie Schechter is hoping for the end result to be an increase in straight-ticket voters for Democrats up and down the ballot – so that’s my take.
HIGHLIGHTS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR©
Dedra Davis and Michelle Moore at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Dedra Davis and Audia Jones at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Ahmad Hassan (left) and Cassandra Hollemon (middle) at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Angela Graves Harrington, Joy Thomas and Toria J. Finch at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Audia Jones and Scarlett Thomas at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Carl Davis and Jacqueline Davis-Gilmore at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Carl Davis and Linda Marie Dunson at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
THE BLACK GIRL MAGIC BRAND
So, what is branding? In my opinion, branding is more about connectivity than anything else. However, don’t confuse passing out a push card, or handing out business cards with branding. Passing out push cards could perhaps lead to a branding experience, but the act of passing out promotional items is related more to advertising and marketing. While passing out push cards is an excellent way to market yourself – it isn’t necessarily branding yourself. Branding gives meaning to something – it’s getting your product, service, or in the case of the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” phrase to stick in the minds of African American female voters. So, what the Harris County Democratic Party is trying to do here, is take the “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” phrase that African American women have clearly embraced (at least from what I saw on yesterday) and are hoping that the energy and connectivity created around these nineteen African-American 2018 judicial candidates will drive African-American female voters to the polls on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. How will this help other Democrats? I’m glad you asked. I truly believe that Lillie Schechter is hoping for the end result to be an increase in straight-ticket voters for Democrats up and down the ballot – so that’s my take.
HIGHLIGHTS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR©
Dedra Davis (left) and Antron D. Johnson (second from left) at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Donna Gee and Erica Hughes at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Elyse at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Jacqueline Davis Gilmore, Alicia Wade, and Jennifer Bourgeois at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Judge Alexandra Smoots-Thomas (second from left) at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Kandice Webber (middle) and Dedra Davis at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Kandice Webber and LaShawn A. Williams at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
Jacqueline Davis Gilmore, Alicia Wade, and Jennifer Bourgeois at the "BLACK GIRL MAGIC" launch party that took place at Melodrama Boutique on Sunday, August 26, 2018, to highlight the nineteen African American 2018 Democratic female judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County, Texas.
HARRIS COUNTY STRONG
A FIGHT FOR TERRITORY
Make no mistake about it, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, won't be business as usual as it pertains to Midterm Elections in Harris County, Texas. Nope, we are looking at an election turnout of epic proportions in my opinion -- a serious fight for territory. So whether you are looking to see a “BLUEWAVE”, flow through Harris County, or hoping for a “REDSTORM” to blow through town, you had best believe that your vote will matter. So, I’m imploring every open-minded Texans to pray for our “PUBLIC SERVANTS” and to “FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT” by becoming more actively engaged, mobilized and involved in the process of electing "DULY-QUALIFIED" candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote, prayers, and support at the ballot box. And please, please, please, don't forget that the early voting period will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.
A FIGHT FOR TERRITORY
Make no mistake about it, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, won't be business as usual as it pertains to Midterm Elections in Harris County, Texas. Nope, we are looking at an election turnout of epic proportions in my opinion -- a serious fight for territory. So whether you are looking to see a “BLUEWAVE”, flow through Harris County, or hoping for a “REDSTORM” to blow through town, you had best believe that your vote will matter. So, I’m imploring every open-minded Texans to pray for our “PUBLIC SERVANTS” and to “FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT” by becoming more actively engaged, mobilized and involved in the process of electing "DULY-QUALIFIED" candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote, prayers, and support at the ballot box. And please, please, please, don't forget that the early voting period will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
Judge Jackson is one of the Top Democrats on the 2018 Democratic Statewide Ticket says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©
One of the top statewide Democratic candidates on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Midterm Election ballot in Texas, Judge Maria T. Jackson should garner votes from non-straight ticket voters from both major political parties, independents and Libertarians too in my opinion. In case you don’t already know, only two Democratic candidates received more statewide votes than Judge Maria T. Jackson back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Primary. The #1 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Justin Nelson (888,444) who is running for Attorney General. The #2 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Kim Olson (883,575) who is running for Agriculture Commissioner. And our very own Judge Maria T. Jackson (878,581) was the #3 statewide vote-getter back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Party Primary in Texas. So, if you're out there looking for a candidate who is experienced, fair, and ready to administer blind-fold justice in cases brought before the highest court for criminal appeals in the State of Texas – look no further than Judge Maria T. Jackson on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
