Shelby County Democrats gathered Sunday, Aug. 2, to honor two of the party’s most recognizable public servants during their Kennedy Day Gala, where speakers delivered a message of unity, encouraging members to compete hard, then come together.
About 200 Democrats filled the ballroom at The Palace at Cordova, where elected officials, candidates, party faithful and community leaders celebrated retiring U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and the late state Rep. G.A. Hardaway.
With early voting complete and the Aug. 6 election approaching, party leaders also used the annual fundraiser named in honor of President John F. Kennedy to remind candidates, politicians and supporters that they share a larger mission.
“We’re on the same team,” Memphis Mayor Paul Young told the audience. “Let’s make sure that we unify, and we don’t forget the end goal.”
Shelby County Democratic Party Chairman Willie Simon, who opened the evening by thanking volunteers and candidates for months of campaigning, challenged Democrats to look beyond internal divisions.
“We say, ‘When we fight, we win,'” said Simon. “But I have to say this out loud. There’s a more important component: When we fight together, we win.”
Simon urged Democrats serving on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board, Shelby County Commission, Memphis City Council and in other elected roles to move “in the same direction,” arguing that collaboration is essential to addressing affordability, public education and neighborhood investment.
Young echoed that appeal. He acknowledged that spirited primaries are part of the political process, but hard-fought contests should not lead to lasting divisions.
“As mayor, I sometimes spend a lot of time arguing with folks I agree with,” Young said, evoking laughter from the audience.
He encouraged candidates to support one another once the primary season concludes.
“If you happen to be on the bad side of the campaign, you know what we need to do. Do it with grace, and then support the campaign that won,” said Young. “That’s how we continue to grow.”
Young also thanked Cohen for helping secure federal dollars that have benefited Memphis, including a recent $400 million appropriation for a new I-55 bridge.
“It would not have happened without him,” said Young.
Cohen chose to retire after Tennessee lawmakers redrew congressional district boundaries, splitting the district he had represented for nearly 20 years into three new ones.
For Cohen, the recognition offered a chance to reflect on the early days and the arc of his career in public service that began with a razor-thin margin.
He recalled appearing before the Shelby County Democratic Party executive committee in 1982, when his bid for the Tennessee Senate was decided by a 13-11 vote on a fourth ballot.
“If it hadn’t been for that one vote, we wouldn’t have had the state lottery,” said Cohen. “We wouldn’t have had AutoZone Park downtown. We wouldn’t have had the walking bridge across the river.
“Everything I’ve accomplished has been because of the constituents and because of Democrats,” he said, holding back tears. “I appreciate you and every member of the Democratic Party for helping me. It’s been a great career, and I thank you.”
Cohen’s remarks drew a standing ovation. And members of the audience shouted, “Job well done.”
The event also paid tribute to Hardaway, a fierce advocate for Memphis, who died in April at age 71 after a brief illness. His nearly 20 years of service in the Tennessee House representing District 93 made him one of Memphis’ most influential politicians.
His son, T.J. Hardaway, who assumed his seat in May and is seeking public office as a write-in candidate in November for District 93, honored his legacy at the event, sharing personal stories that underscored the elder Hardaway’s dedication to the Memphis community he represented in Nashville.
Throughout the evening, the recognition of Cohen and Hardaway was framed not simply as a celebration of past accomplishments, but as a reminder of the responsibility facing those who hope to follow them.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Leona Tate, a pioneering member of the New Orleans Four whose courage helped desegregate public schools, exemplified the gala’s broader theme of honoring those who paved the way for future generations, said event organizers.
Radio personality Stan Bell, who served as emcee, thanked the volunteers, campaign workers and public servants whose efforts often go unseen.
“The strongest evidence of love is sacrifice,” said Bell.
Still, the evening’s overarching message connected the legacies of two longtime public servants with a political party’s mission for its next chapter: Honor the past, support the next generation and, above all, move forward together.
