Jackson Advocate Woman of the Year 2010: Johnnie Patton
0 Comments | Jackson Advocate, Mar 25-Mar 31, 2010 | by Harris, Barbra
Walking the walk for change
She might be the polite and thoughtful pharmacist who fills your prescription with little fanfare, but Jackson’s own Johnnie Patton was perhaps the most photographed delegate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Photos of Patton proudly sporting her unique signature hat appeared in most major print and Internet publications across the nation. Pattern’s hat has been worn to the last seven conventions.
She was also frequently interviewed about her role as an African American woman being one of the six superdelegates from Mississippi participating in the nomination process.
Indeed, the Mississippi Democratic Party has come a long way since Fannie Lou Hamer and others from the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party demanded a voice at the 1964 convention in Atlantic City, only to be denied.
“One of my proudest moments was when I was a delegate to the national convention in Denver, when President Obama accepted the nomination as our candidate… and then when he actually won the election,” Patton said.
“I witnessed his speech in Chicago, and of course, when Barack took the oath of office as President of the United States in January (2009).
“I will always cherish these events and enjoy discussing them with Hannah, my granddaughter,” she added.
Patton and 8-year-old Hannah will be off to Washington, D.C. April 4 to join the First Family for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
“We wore privileged to receive an invitation to the White House to join in the Easter Egg Roll with the Obamas, so we are excited about this event,” she said.
Patton’s relationship with the White House and Democratic hierarchy keeps her in the loop.
She participated in the President’s conference call with party leaders Tuesday afternoon to discuss what can be expected of the landmark health care bill he signed earlier in the day.
Providing “affordability, portability and access to more than 32 million people who could not afford health care until now” was Mr. Obama’s focus, Patton said.
“He thanked all volunteers who helped with the health care reform campaign and asked that we don’t get bogged down with nay-sayers about the cost,” she said, adding that the President also talked about the implementation of this reform.
“He outlined those parts of the bill that will begin immediately, such as access to coverage for children, closing the donut hole required on medical costs and coverage for small business employees,” Patton said.
“He was a little late getting on the call but it was wonderful being part of the process and this historical signage and reform!”
Patton, 68, has established herself as a leader in the state and national Democratic Party.
She has served on the Executive Committee of the Mississippi Democratic Party since 1988.
Also in 1988, Patton became a member of the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women, and served as its president from 1999-2001, and treasurer, 1998-2000.
Patton has been a member of the Democratic National Committee since 2000, and secretary of the DNC Black Caucus since 2004, to which she was recently elected unanimously for a third term.
She has been a delegate to the Democratic National Committee Convention since 1992, and has been a member of the National Federation of Democratic Women since 2000, serving as its treasurer from 2007-2009.
“I am currently a member of the National Federation of Democratic Women with membership in the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women, whose primary role is to train women to leadership position in politics,” Patton explained.
“As a former president and national treasurer, we focus primarily on grooming and perfecting young women to enter into politics and offer their service in government,” she said.
Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the new Democratic Committee Chairman, recently named Patton to a second term on the DNC Credential Committee.
Patton is well-respected by the DNC membership and because of her dedication and commitment to the caucuses, most of the members rely heavily on her leadership on the committee, the DNC said.
Johnnie Patton served as Mississippi coordinator for the “Obama for America” presidential campaign in 2008 and was Mississippi co-chair for the John Kerry Campaign in 2004.
Patton is known for lending her expertise to Democratic fund-raising efforts.
In 2007, she hosted a fund-raiser in Jackson for the Obama campaign that took in considerably more than its $100,000 goal
denver photographers