(Washington DC) Today, the
"Williams for President" slate announces the following endorsements for the upcoming Ward 8 Democrats election.
"I am humbled by the amount of support that I have received over the past 5 months," says Williams.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank all who have opened your homes, churches, and businesses to chat with me regarding my candidacy, my choices for my slate, and my vision for moving the Ward 8 Democrats forward. I am also very appreciative of those who have provided me, and my team, with institutional knowledge of the Ward 8 Democrats organization. We are forever grateful. Whatever the outcome of Saturday's election brings, I am very proud of the work that we have done thus far...we have done our very best!"

Marion Barry, Councilman and Former Mayor of the District of Columbia
"It is with pleasure that I endorse Ms. Natalie Williams for President of the Ward 8 Democrats. I have watched Ms. Williams grow over the years, and have personally worked with her on numerous outreach projects that affect all residents of the District of Columbia; particularly Ward 8. Under her leadership, the Ward 8 Democrats has an opportunity to reach new heights, and have real political relevancy on the issues affecting Ward 8 residents. She has the courage and the fight that it will take to bring about a positive change to the organization, as well as, the leadership skills it takes to get people working together for the good of the whole. She believes in the advancement of our Ward. I support her entire slate wholeheartedly."
Jacque Patterson, Current President of the Ward 8 Democrats, Inc. "What Ms. Natalie Williams brings as a candidate for the presidency of the Ward Eight Democrats is her "newness"! New ideas, new perspectives and new energy! Although new to the Ward, Ms. Williams is no stranger to the unique Democratic politics of Ward 8. She has worked with many of us on various projects for years. It will take willingness to work with and respect for those who have labored in our communities for years combined with an inviting and welcoming attitude toward our newer residents to build on the foundation that the current officers have worked so hard to build during my administration. It is because I believe Ms. Williams has these characteristics that I endorse her candidacy for Ward Eight Democrats, Inc. president.
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Wanda Lockridge, Former Chairperson of the DC Democratic State Committee
Current Ward 8 Committeewoman"I am happy and honored today to announce my endorsement for Natalie Williams as president of the Ward Eight Democrats, Inc. I have been a member of the Ward Eight Democrats for many years and while I believe great things have happened in it's history, I also believe that the organization is ready to take a different turn. Ms. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge about politics, outreach, promotion and people. With this professional skill set, I am confident that we as Democrats will be more relative and visible heading into the Election of 2012. I welcome the opportunity to embrace an inclusive agenda."
Anthony Muhammad, Current Ward 8 Democrats Committeeman | Current Chairman ANC 8A"Ward 8 is evolving each day and it requires us as individuals to evolve if we are going to keep up with what's happening here. It is in that spirit that I, without reservation, endorse Ms. Williams as President of the Ward 8 Democrats. I believe that there is a time and season for everyone and everything. It's her time Ward 8 Democrats! Never mind how long Ms. Williams has actually lived in the Ward. Don't ask where she's been. Ask where can we go with her involvement and leadership."
Bishop Glen A. Staples, Senior Pastor, Temple of Praise"Ward 8 is truly a gem in the crown of Washington, DC. We serve the best, the brightest, and the proud! In an effort to ensure that we have an even better Ward 8 in the years to come, I wholeheartedly support Natalie Williams for President of the Ward 8 Democrats. I personally have worked in Ward 8 for over 20 years. Ms. Williams' non-confrontational approach to provoking change is what Ward 8 needs to catapult our Ward to new social, economic, educational, and political heights in the District of Columbia. I am confident that Ms. Williams' professional background, public relations skills, and community liaison abilities will serve our Ward and community in the spirit of excellence that we deserve. "
Pastor Michael Bell, Allen Chapel A.M.E.
Chairperson, Ward 8 Faith Based and Community Development Council
"Natalie Williams has brought excitement and energy to the Ward 8 Democrats President's election and she will bring that same excitement and energy as President. Ms. Williams will provide effective and efficient leadership with a clear vision for the future. I am confident, that she will be able to galvanize the Democrats in Ward 8 and across the District of Columbia. Natalie provides fresh leadership that is needed in Ward 8 to take the Ward politically to the next level."
Reverend Anthony J. Motley, Former Ward 8 Committeeman
"Today is a new day in Ward Eight. As a product of this Ward I have watched many transitions occur over the years some positive and some negative. Our community has gone through a lot both socially, educationally, economically and politically, and we still have a lot more to do. In that spirit I have decided to support Ms. Natalie Williams for President of the Ward 8 Democrats. I believe that Ms. Williams has the passion, the understanding and the skills required to help guide this organization into a new and heighten state of advocacy and political empowerment for Democrats living in Ward 8. To that end I am supporting Ms. Williams and the entire slate she has chosen to support her."
***The election will be held this Saturday, September 17. Voting period is from 12noon-2pm at Savoy Elementary School. All registered Ward 8 Democrat voters can participate.