Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
ARLINGTON — (WMAL) The Arlington County Democratic Committee might change the name of its annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner because both former presidents owned slaves.
Kip Malinowsky, Chair of the Arlington County Democrats, said that local Democrats brought the naming issue to his attention after the church shooting in South Carolina.
“It’s been bubbling up for some time,” Malinowsky said.
“What We’ve done is appointed a committee to investigate changing the name and possible alternative names to change it to.”
Jefferson-Jackson Day is named for former presidents Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, two democrats who held office in the 19th Century.
Owning slaves was legal during both presidencies.
Jackson was also known for the displacement of numerous Native American tribes from their land.
Jefferson-Jackson Day is a Democratic Party tradition dating back 175 years.
It was established to honor the founders of the Democratic Party, but it is also an important day for potential party candidates.
Many major fundraising dinners are held at Jefferson-Jackson Day celebrations around the country, providing candidates with the opportunity to secure campaign funds and party nominations.
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