Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau was among eight people honored by the Kansas Democratic Party at their annual Washington Days state convention in Topeka March 15 and 16. Sen. Faust-Goudeau received the Sen. Anthony Hensley Outstanding Legislature Award.
The award was presented to Faust-Goudeau by Sen. Hensley, who served for 25 years as the Minority leader of the Kansas Senate, and Jeanna Repass, Kansas Democratic Party Chair.
Faust-Goudeau, has represented the 29th District in Wichita since 2009 and was the first African-American woman in the Kansas Senate. She currently serves as Senate Assistant Minority Leader.
Awards were also presented for: Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding County Party Chair, and Outstanding Rural Organizer. Chair Repass presented three special “Street Fighter” Awards and Monica Vargas, an organizer for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, received the Courage and Advocacy Award.
Washington Days gathering, held in the spring in Topeka, and Demofest, held in the fall in Wichita, are the two largest annual gatherings of Kansas Democrats and provide an opportunity for constituency groups, county party members, and other attendees to socialize, network, and collaborate in preparation for the upcoming November elections.
The Kansas African-American Caucus hold their meetings during these conventions and are known for hosting a great Friday night party during Washington Days.
For more information go to ksdp.org.
