The Delaware Civil Rights Coalition (DCRC) is a united response of long-established civil rights organizations, religious groups, civic groups, and service providers of Delaware who have come together to counter with one voice the growing threat of discrimination and hate in the Nation and Delaware. The DCRC believes that when racist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic, xenophobic, homophobic or similar statements are made by public figures, responsible citizenship requires us to name that for what it is, and proactively have in place a countervailing civic network that stands transparent and accountable to represent America’s values against fake news, hate speech, and malevolent, but faceless and secretive, diatribes. This Coalition will exist as long as necessary to fight against policies and events that are perceived as threatening the civil and human rights of residents of Delaware. For those so targeted we have united in one voice to say, you are not alone; you are America.
As our first action, the Coalition will present a Know Your Rights Workshop conducted by ACLU of Delaware. The workshop will inform organization leaders about their rights, examine issues of unconstitutionality that the country may face with the new administration's proposals, examine the most pressing local Delaware issues, and discuss plans of action.
The DCRC rejects the dark, cynical mindset that attacks women, the disabled, Muslims, African Americans, Jews, Latinos, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for self-advancement. This mindset has the effect of making people feel frightened, disrespected and second-class citizens—not fully entitled to equal protection of law and basic human dignity. This attitude should never be acceptable and never be normalized. This should never happen in this country, which has prided itself on its commitment to the principles of inclusion, acceptance, love, and compassion. The Coalition is here to uphold the respect and dignity of every member of the Delaware community regardless of color, ethnicity, ability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other human characteristic. In America, we all belong.
The vision of the DCRC is a welcoming, safe and inclusive Delaware. The mission is to uphold and protect the civil and human rights of communities in Delaware. The purpose is to work together constructively and effectively to address any challenge that would threaten the lives of communities in Delaware. Laws exist to protect people and communities, and establish a sense of safety and inclusiveness. We are sending the message today that Delaware will remain safe and inclusive for all its residents.
Charito Calvachi-Mateyko, J.D./M.A.C.T.
WOW! On Thanksgiving weekend, YOU set a record helping the under-served families of the Sussex County HIV-AIDS Wellness Clinic and West Rehoboth. Nearly 600 toys, 37 coats, 100 hats, 77 pairs of gloves, and 62 scarfs were collected to help those most in need.
This year, the Double L Bar was joined by The Blue Moon, Dos Locos, Java Jukebox, Lula Brazil, Murph’s Beef & Ale, The Pond, The Purple Parrot, Rigby’s, Serendipity, and The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill in promoting and collecting for the event.
Now in its 9th year, our event wouldn’t be possible without the help of countless volunteers who give of their time and talents. In addition to our local business owners, thanks go out to Tim Drabic and Terry Snoddy of the Double L Bar and Rehoboth Pride Travel Agency, Glen Pruitt and the Rehoboth Beach Bears, Bryan Hecksher of Auto Gallery of DE, and Steve Elkins and Sal Seeley of CAMP Rehoboth.
Once again, YOU made the difference for those who might otherwise go without this holiday season, and throughout the year.
Paul "Masterson" Christensen
Mr. Double L Leather 2008