Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Two HRC Alums Make History With Election Wins [One is Cincinnati's Chris Seelbach]


This post comes from David Paul, Deputy Director of HRC Communities & Volunteer Relations.

HRC is thrilled to congratulate former HRC volunteer leaders LaWana Mayfield and Chris Seelbach, who both made history yesterday as they became the first openly LGBT people elected to their respective city councils.

Council Member-Elect LaWana Mayfield becomes the first and only openly LGBT city councilmember in Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city.   We remember when LaWana stood at the steps of the US Capitol with HRC calling on Congress to defeat the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.  We are grateful that Charlotte voters have recognized LaWana’s bold and courageous leadership. LaWana served in a number of key roles for HRC locally, including as Gala Event Co-Chair in Charlotte, and nationally, as a member of HRC’s Board of Governors and Co-Chair of HRC’s National Diversity Committee.

Council Member-Elect Chris Seelbach also made history becoming the first and only openly LGBT city council member elected in Cincinnati.  Chris played an integral role in 2004 to help repeal Article XII, a  city charter provision that banned laws being enacted by City Council that would protect LGBT people from discrimination.  HRC was fortunate to have Chris share his talents and passion as political co-chair for HRC’s Greater Cincinnati Steering Committee. Chris is the former chief of staff for the late Cincinnati Council Member, David Crowley, who led the fight for LGBT equality, while he was on Council. Crowley’s daughter, Ann, is HRC’s Membership Director.

Thank you, LaWana and Chris, for your passion, your leadership, and your willingness to stand-up for equality as volunteer leaders with HRC’s steering committees in North Carolina and Greater Cincinnati.  Both Charlotte and Cincinnati will surely benefit from your continued, extraordinary leadership. 

If you are interested in getting involved as an HRC volunteer leader in your community, please contact hrccommunities@hrc.org.

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