Connecticut Democrats are changing the name of the party's annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner, agreeing to strip the names of two former slave owners.
Members of the Democratic State Central Committee have until the end of August to come up with other names to replace former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. Party spokesman Leigh Appleby said Thursday that the fundraising dinner's new name won't necessarily have to include three names.
On a voice vote, about 50 committee members voted unanimously Wednesday night in favor of a resolution to change the 67-year-old dinner's name to reflect the party's "dedication to diversity and forward-looking vision."
Party Chairman Nick Balletto said the recent massacre at a predominantly black South Carolina church prompted him to consider changing the annual dinner's name.
