About the BEPD

History of the Black El Paso Democrats (BEPD)

The Black El Paso Democrats was founded in 1982, by the late R.E.L. Washington (The Colonel). The original leadership of the Black El Paso Democrats was initially part of a non-partisan organization named the “Black Coalition”. Recognizing a need for partisanship and advocacy for the interests of the Black community, Colonel Washington formed an organization whose members were “unapologetically” Black and “uncompromisingly” Democrat. He saw a “non-partisan” political organization as lacking purpose, focus, commitment and not responsive to the true political needs of the Black democratic community.

As the new BEPD was formed, Colonel Washington and his leaders carefully selected and personally invited members they thought would adhere to and advance the principles and ideals of the democratic party and, at the same time, insist that the Democratic Party be receptive to the needs of the Black community and become responsible for including Blacks as equal functioning partners in the democratic party and the democratic process.

Colonel Washington emphatically insisted that this organization would not be controlled or unduly influenced by any candidate, elected or appointed official, special interest group or any amount of money from any source. The organization was then and is now fiercely independent. Colonel Washington insisted that his officers’ character be beyond reproach and that their motives and actions be pure and not for personal gain. The organization has enjoyed a reputation of serving the best interests of the Black Community of El Paso and the community at large for nearly a quarter of a century. It has been effective in educating the public, serving the public, working with other democratic entities toward common goals and advocating for a better governmental response to public needs.

Colonel Washington died on April 17, 1996. He passed the torch to another carefully selected successor who he felt would carry the organization to new heights. The organization ratified that selection and Otis Hopkins became the second person to carry the mantle of leadership. Under his leadership, the BEPD continued the tradition of community effectiveness, relevance and soon became what many call the “premier” democratic club of El Paso.

As only the third Chair in the history of the BEPD, my future success lies in maintaining the solid foundation established by my predecessors and continuing to steer a vehicle that already has focus, direction and purpose. My intent is to open the organization to new people, ideas, techniques and technologies. As an original charter member, I appreciate the past, but I welcome diverse opinions, new issues, new techniques and methods in order to set new priorities for the future.

Membership is still by invitation. Character and independence is still highly valued. The organization is still fiercely independent; and, we continue to invite those who are “unapologetically” Black and “uncompromisingly” Democrat and their family members as regular members of the organization and others who believe in our ideals to support us as associate members.

There is still much work to be done.

Donald L. Williams
Chair,
Black El Paso Democrats