After serving as the Chair of the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee for more than a decade, Ralph Edwards stepped down on Sunday.
“It’s sort of the passing of the torch,” Edwards said. “I’ll continue to be involved in the background and being supportive.”
Friends, colleagues and local officials gathered at Fantasy Island in Salem on Sunday to celebrate a man who has dedicated much of his life to public service and pursuing civil rights and social justice.
Growing up in Alexandria, La., in the 1960s, he saw the risks that many blacks faced when exercising their rights to vote.
“They put their jobs or even their lives on the line,” he said. “Political involvement was essential.”
Throughout his career Edwards has served as an officer in several organizations including the NAACP, Black Alcoholism and Addictions Council, YMCA, and TASH, an international disability and advocacy organization.
With him as Chair, the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee worked with about 15 community colleges since 2007 to push for higher voter registration. As of 2017 the efforts under Edwards can claim more than 1,200 new voters.
“It was never just one person,” he said. “I think that our roles in political activity and community service is what makes us as a group unique.”
Chair of the Lynn Democratic City Committee Agnes Ricko has worked with Edwards addressing several campaigns and issues over the years and is grateful for his impact.
“He is a hard worker and a good, compassionate man,” she said. “We have been fortunate to benefit from his dedication and strong leadership. Ralph is a dear friend and we respect and admire him tremendously.”
Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee, who had the opportunity to work with Edwards while representing Swampscott in the Legislature and as Chair of the State Democratic Party, served as the master of ceremonies at the celebration.
“Ralph’s strong ideals and thoughtful demeanor is what made him a great leader, and I look forward to continuing our friendship and collaboration for many years to come,” McGee said.
Looking back on his time as a Chair, Edwards says one thing he is most proud of is how the organization has nurtured future leadership and been active in the community.
“We’ve made an effort to not only talk about the importance of community involvement but actually model that,” he said. “We’ve worked hard laying a groundwork for the future.”
