Ed Gray 50 Years in Song !

5o years of songs ! My life in song ! My life in music ! Ed Gray !

Words can not express the joy , the relief , and enthusiasm I have for reaching this milestone ! Perhaps it better to put it in song !

I was born the same day THE GREAT DUKE ELLINGTON was born !

My family took the A TRAIN from the East Coast to Texas !

I grew up in Dallas atending local schools and enjoyed a typical childhood . . .
Eventually graduating from SMU in 1989 !

Sharing a birthday with Rick James allowed me the time to reflect on ....Partying !

In between parties , I found time to Keep Hope Alive !
In these times I served as a Congressional Intern , Founder of the Coalition for African American Progress , a Truman Scholar !

30 years of moving up . I have mentored hundreds of young people , giving numerous speeches , and spent countless hours in community service FOR THE PEOPLE .
I remain as always optimistic about the future ! To believe in the future , you must believe in our youth . We will be allright - because I am part of the youth movement . Young at Heart ! Optimistic ! Keep your head to the sky , you can win !

To truly be rich you must count what you give away .
EDWARD GRAY 1962 -

SEPTEMBER 11 , 2011

September 11 , 2011 a Tuesday.
Tuesday's are days when nothing happens.
Mondays and weekends get our attention.
That Tuesday Morning changed America.

A country divided by a contentious election was slumbering through the September morning.A country hyphenated came together .
This would be the day that we would become one.
For 24 hours ,September 11.
There would be ,no black or white.
There would be no straight or gay.
There would be no young or old.
There would be north or south.
There would be no red state or blue state.

There for a moment frozen in time .
Would be a Nation.

A NATION UNITED IN SORROW.
A NATION UNITED IN GRIEF.
A NATION UNITED IN HORROR.
A NATION UNITED IN ANGER.
A NATION UNITED, NO LONGER DIVIDED.
FINALLY A NATION .
WE ARE ONE .....
AMERICANS


September 11 ,2011 A Tuesday.

The Death of Any Man Diminishes Us All:Roller Rink Tragedy

In Grand Prairie last night July 23 ,2011 tragedy occurred in our community. Children at Forum World witnessed the mass slaying of 6 souls. One of them a troubled soul, who in his hours of greatest despair , took his life and others.The healing process begins when the wound is exposed .The wounds in this case will take along time to heal,because of the horrific nature of the act.


I was born in an era , in which black folk when hearing of such acts , always responded by saying ,"I hope that the person who did this wasn't black" .The reason was black folk didn't need anymore problems than what they had.That was the 60"s and 70"s . Now here we are in the 10"s .An age of enlightenment ,when all of our lives , are valued the same.It is a time when a reporter in an exchange of information from Grand Prairie Chief of Police Steve Dye asked "were the shooter- victims ASIAN " ?

The death of any man diminishes me .The taken of innocence from children angers me.Stupid questions from reporters qualifying life angers me. Perhaps on this day July 24 ,2011 we are no more enlightened as if it was July 24 ,1961. The best words to address this tragedy comes from a post on Facebook today from Grand Prairie Chamber Of Commerce ,Prudence Mathis.


"Prayers being lifted for all those affected by the shooting last night at Grand Prairie's Roller World Forum. Sad that what was supposed to be a joyous occasion celebrating a birthday turned into a tragedy. My heart especially goes out to the witnesses, which included children."

Democracy in Grand Prairie Part II : Term Limit Defeat Proposal Defeated

Democracy arrived in Grand Prairie. It wasn't like the recent protests in Egypt, nor the protests in China years ago.

It was more like a quiet revolt against the status quo.The status quo of complacency , a revolt against the privileged of incumbency, a protest that united various factions in this suburban city against the established oligarchy.

Simply put enough is enough. The mayor of Grand Prairie succumbed to the political pressure of community leaders who argued against non expiring term limits. Each board and commission has term limits ,the term limits indicate each member can serve 2 full ,three year terms. The mayor when questioned by City Councilman Mark Hepworth regarding the Sports Corporation. The Sports Corporation governs the Lome Star Park racing facility.


There they were assembled,NAACP President Angela Luckey ,Westchester Homeowners Association ,Rotarian Mike Hasty , former Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Smelser,former City Councilman Rick Sala ,and community activists Gloria Carillo,and myself City Commissioner Ed Gray. Many more came in and silently voiced their protest.One after another the speakers read their impassioned speeches.

My speech was in broadbased terms about bringing democracy to our city ,pointing to the assembled masses in Grand Prairie .I implored the city council to hear the will of the people. Hearing that enough is enough ,all commissions are the same ,no special privileges for the select few. Change was made.The Sports Corporation appointees for example, Mayor Charles England who has been there since 1992 will be termed off. 1992 two decades ago,Democracy comes slow in Grand Prairie. To show how long we have had some mebers on this commission - lets take a look at who was ruling pop music -1992 .


Ron Jensen and Mark Hepworth crafted a compromise that addressed the inadequacies of long term appointments on our city commissions. These two men did an honorable job in making Grand Prairie great.If Grand Prairie thought that it was sleeping , maybe the sleeping suburb woke up for a moment.Now that is awaken,what next ? Stay tuned for Part 3 in this continuing series.

Democracy in the Grand Prairie: No Life Time Appointments

City Commissioner Ed Gray and Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England

Earlier this week my office received the following email:

Commissioner Gray :
I believe that this may be of interest to you:

The City of Grand Prairie has many Commissions and Boards that are integral in assisting our City Council with its governance. Examples include the City Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Commission on Aging Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals etc.

Prospective board members are nominated and voted upon by the City Council and each board member is limited to a maximum allotted term of service of 6 years. These “term limits” are in effect for every single board except three panels that have been exempted from this limitation: The Sports Corporation, the G.P. Housing Finance Board and the G.P. Industrial Board.

When questioned about the inconsistencies concerning term limits and why these three boards should be exempt from said rules the Mayor stated that he was in favor of doing away with all term limits for board appointments. This would mean that a person could be appointed for life to any advisory panel.

This next Tuesday, July 19, the City Council has placed the proposal to remove all term limits from any City Council board appointments on the consent agenda. Councilman Mark Hepworth has asked to remove this item from the consent agenda and open it up for public discussion and debate.

I will not tell you how to vote but I believe that this issue is important and the City Council should receive the input from our citizenry. City Council meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Please come make your intentions clear by attending and speaking or at least filling out a card in support or against this proposed action.

My response to the citizens of my city is expressed in the following.
Please feel free to forward as others may or may not be aware of the continuing public debate on the issue.

The email's clearly defined position is that Grand Prairie citizens should oppose the current direction of the proposed mayoral consent agreement.It encourages Grand Prairie citizens to take a step forward and support clarification and amending a consent agreement that would allow citizens appointed by the mayor to have long tenured commission appointments with no term limits.The citizens of Grand Prairie need diversity, this diversity is not based upon color , it is a diversity of opinion that produces fresh ideas.

As I close , I believe in a Grand Prairie ,a Grand Prairie in which all of our differences are exploited for the common good,I expect that my friends and neighbors will be at City Hall next week ,doing what we Americans do best.We constantly move forward,setting aside misguided notions, correcting mistakes ,and striving for the best.I will join them next Tuesday, July 19 ,2011 at City Hall at 5:30 pm to continue to deliver a message. Please join me and others next Tuesday as we send a message.No life time appointments for city council appointees.

Happy Fourth of July to America !

Happy 4th of July !Each year as we celebrate America's freedom it gives me time to to reflect on the greatness of this country.I think of the Founding Father's and their desire to start a new governmental system .I think of a Civil War that liberated millions of American that the Founding Fathers forgot about .I think of a peaceful Civil Rights revolution that reminded Americans that we should all be free. As we go to the various parades, bar b ques ,and family gatherings, let us all be reminded that freedom is not free. God Bless America , and God Bless those brave soldiers on foreign shores that they come home to enjoy those same freedoms we observe today.
My favorite version of our National Anthem ! From Marvin Gaye !


I learned this song in first grade ,like many of us ! Ray Charles sings America the Beautiful !


Beyonce sings our National Anthem !


Our tribute to America would not be complete if we didn't add America the Beautiful to the collection.Let's close out with Tyrese singing our National Anthem , and Jaime Foxx singing America the Beautiful ! GOD BLESS AMERICA , and GOD BLESS YOU !


Our citizens in Grand Prairie travel each year to observe the 4th Parade in ARLINGTON !It's time as we now have the the men and women in power to make great
things happen in GRAND PRAIRIE to make a 4TH of July parade we all can be proud of. Just like we are proud of our country !

Memorial Day 2011:Saving America Edition

Freedom Never Comes Cheap ,Freedom Never Comes Easy .
From a you tube clip today I got this statement from BrutallyHonest
I'm sure they didnt fight this hard so kids today can blast their rap music & rattle peoples cars & disturb everyone around them.Iwish todays society had a little more honor in America.I'm sad how things have turned out after watching this.America has become a sissified,I dont wana work hard, with a"EveryBody owes me attitude."We have great Americans today.But,the bad out weighs the good.If todays society was the mind set in the 40's we may have lost the damn war.Its time to restore honor.


My Memorial Day Statement for all of us , as we observe on this day 29th day of May 2011 . In the tenth year of our POST 911-World .
For each generation,many answer the clarion call for freedom.As we go our way to the numerous holiday activities let us not forget.It is not the BBQ that makes this a special day,it is the sacrifice of those soldiers who have served that makes this a hallowed day.

It is from Valley Forge to Afghanistan and Iraq to Osama Bin Laden's bedroom ,patriots have trodden the blood stained fields for our rights that we often take for granted.My generation has went from the days in which our soldiers were outcasts in a society that did not want them to heroes we welcomed back from the Viet Nam War .

My mother and myself prayed for his return.For all those who have served and those who are serving.The prayer I had for my father when I was eight years old,I say again for you ...

Dear God,Help them come home .
Because we need them here,but since they are over there.Be There with them.Walk with them,talk with them,so that we may one day,walk and talk again as a family.
Amen>>>

Ed Gray 50th Birthday Party announced for 2012

I will be celebrating my 50th birthday at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie.The birthday pary will be a all day celebration with a dinner @ 6:00pm followed by a party-concert beginning at 9:00 and ending at 12 midnight.Thank you for all of your past words of advice and support.In the coming months there will be a roster of entertainment provided to the public.We are expecting a great time, and this event can only be greater by your presence!
Date : February 4 ,2012
3113 S Carrier Pky,
Grand Prairie,Tx 75052
Time :6:00- 12 midnight

Labor Day Message : September 6 , 2010

Happy Labor Day !
As we go to the various picnics of the last weekend of this 2010 Summer,let's pause for a moment and reflect on American Labor. As a former elected labor leader,I served as a Chief Steward for Communications Workers of America Local 6215 this is an important day for me.

This day is solemn because the Labor movement has lost hundreds of brothers and sisters for the sake of protecting not only its memberships but that of all American workers.Those truths that we take as standards in the work place came off the backs of American labor.This day is joyous because we celebrate their victories.


The victories are taken for granted as if they always existed.
A litany of policies and rules were made because of the existence of organized Labor.The 8 Hour Day and the 5 Day work week are examples of what Labor has brought to the American workers. American Labor has changed throughout the years ,but one thing is constant the brothers and sisters of the movement have paid their dues for all Americans.

Happy Labor Day !

August 15 ,2010 : Ed Gray on Urban Gas Drilling

As the summer winds down to a marathon finish,let us take time to focus on what the city is doing.In the Westchester community, there is a movement to address the gas drilling permits in our community.The community has been mobilized and is seeking a moratorium on the gas drilling.

I am personally against gas drilling in urban areas.The problem is that the area of Westchester is considered rural in some areas.In fact the post office considers the delivery of some areas of Westchester to be still rural.

The focus of the anti drilling is the structural integrity of the neighborhoods. Fear of earthquakes and a environmental concerns is the focus of the anti drilling citizens.The Gasland video is playing a prominent part in fueling anti drilling in Westchester.The following is the trailer for the movie.If interested hit the link for other Gasland you tube clips.


On the other side of the issue is the property rights of those who favor gas drilling.They have rights as well.No matter the outcome nobody will be satisfied.
My hope is that the city proposes more stringent codification to address the concerns of the community. More to come at a later date.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas !

July 4 ,2010 : Independence Day Message

Happy 4th of July to all citizens of this great country !
As we take time to enjoy the numerous parades,bar b ques ,and social gatherings.Let us take time to remember what makes America truly great.It is not whether we are Democrat or Republican.Black or white.It is the American Ideal.An ideal that says all Americans regardless of station in life can rise above their birth to heights never dreamed before.

I am the descendents of slaves brought to the countryside of Virginia in the 1800's.
They witnessed the true rebirth of a new nation at Appomattox CourtHouse.They walked the surrendering grounds of Confederate soldiers as they laid down their arms. They were not viewed as citizens but they kept the faith and found Glory.

They kept the faith and strove to bettter themselves.One hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation my family as represented by my mother participated in the March on Washington with Dr.Martin Luther King.Freedom is a word often used and seldom achieved.

So let us now move forward,to a greater America.America that rises above petty partisian politics and fruitless demagoguery.
Happy 4th of July and God Bless America.

Memorial Day 2010

Darla and myself wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day ! Memorial Day reminds us that freedom is never free; it is always under attack and comes with great sacrifice. Let us not forget those who are serving and those who have served our great nation in times of peace and conflict.


Photo courtesy of Ivie I. Imoisili
For each generation,many answer the clarion call for freedom.As we go our way to the numerous holiday activities let us not forget.It is not the BBQ that makes this a special day,it is the sacrifice of those soldiers who have served that makes this a hallowed day.

It is from Valley Forge to Afghanistan and Iraq ,patriots have trodden the blood stained fields for our rights that we often take for granted.My generation has went from the days in which our soldiers were outcasts in a society that did not want them to heroes we welcome back from war at DFW airport.

We as Americans,Democratic or Republican must put aside alparty labels today and focus on the label that matters most:American.The Taliban does not require a litmus test on conservatism,Al Qaeda does not care whether you are a Republican or Democrat.

Photo courtesy of Ivie I. Imoisili
Our troops suffer the daily inconveniences of war,for a luxury that is not small.
The luxury of freedom.The tree of freedom is watered by the blood of patriots and for this I am thankful that we have our soldiers who have given and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to have American comforts.

Photo courtesy of Ivie I. Imoisili
From a military family,I remember the days watching my father go off to war in the Dominican Republic in the Viet Nam era.
My mother and myself prayed for his return.For all those who have served and those who are continuing to serve.The prayer I had for my father when I was eight years old,I say again for you ...
Dear God,Help them come home .
Because we need them here,but since they are over there.Be there with them.Walk with them,talk with them,so that we may one day,walk and talk again as a family. God Bless you and your families. Amen.


original score by Phaze

National Day of Prayer May 6 , 2010

There are some things in life that should be a natural.They are just as simple as the day is long. Simple things - July days are hot in Texas!America needs prayer today and everyday!America has observed a day of prayer since President Harry Truman signed the law in 1952.Today is possibly the last day of that the National Day of Prayer will be recognized in America.

United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb ruled in a decision on April 15, 2010 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation was correct and the National Day of Prayer violated the First Amendment. It wouldn't be the first time a court made a wrong decision.The separation of church and state is about having an organized state religion not saying a prayer.First it was the taking of prayer out of school ,and then our kids went wild. Second it was taking Christ out of Christmas thereby turning Christmas into a Winter Holiday.Now these misguided folks want to take prayer from us.

May God continue to bless our country as we shall always remember that He is first.What if these misguided folks won a court case on that day when President Franklin Roosevelt beseeched God for his mercies and blessings.We can not forget God ,for it is through He,that our blessings and our liberties are guaranteed.

Ed Gray Grand Prairie Mayoral Statement

I have been receiving phone calls lately asking for me to run for mayor.
The deadline is March 8,2010 at City Hall to place your name on the ballot.Though I am deeply honored by the numerous phone calls,and pledges of support I will not be a candidate for Mayor at this time.

My focus in the past several months was the District 6 projected open seat.
As you know the projection did not occur for the spring 2010 election cycle.I will continue to keep my campaign staff and the infrastructure active to proceed with a campaign when the opening occurs.Thank you and God Bless you all.

Ed Gray Campaign Update : February 16, 2010

Friends ,
I have spent much of my political career working for our community. I will periodically report on community issues and the status of our common interests. The expected campaign for Grand Prairie District 6 Council will not take place this year.The mayor will be running for re-election therefore there will be no political seat open this election cycle. Our campaign will remains vitalized and prepared to run for any future elections in the upcoming year based on the will of the people.I thank you on behalf of the campaign, as we move forward.

Ed Gray Endorsed by Brooks and Williams

Recently at a campaign event several friends offered their assessment on what a Ed Gray candidacy could bring to Grand Prairie. In the first of several video endorsements I offer for your consideration these two distinguished gentleman.
Terry Brooks is the past president of the Grand Prairie School District .I have known Terry for several years from my involvement in Grand Prairie Independent School District affairs.I have worked with him on several bond campaigns as we moved Grand Prairie forward. My most recent involvement with our schools includes my membership on the Grand Prairie Education Foundation .
Michael L. Williams ,our Texas Railroad Commissioner offers the other endorsement.I have known Michael for several years dating back to our involvement in the Arlington Independent School District.As the months go there will be other endorsements and opportunities.I want to thank those people who have volunteered to bring quality,dedicated,leadership,to Grand Prairie.
Please contact our staff @
Ed Gray Campaign P.O. Box 543321
Grand Prairie Texas 75054-3321

Ed Gray Labor Day Fish Fry

My recent Labor Day Fish Fry was a complete a success. I recently asked several of my friends if they had any interest in sharing their Labor Day with me,and guess what? Over 150 people showed up to share their day with my family.It was a complete surprise to my wife .Thanks to Fish and Grill for catering the event.As I introduce myself to Grand Prairie for consideration for public office,I am humbled by their choice of me as a prospective candidate.
The Fish Fry had several local politicians in attendance,Justice of the Peace Michael Petty,County Clerk John Warren,Judge Gracie Lewis, GPISD School Board Trustee Terry Brooks,DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Warren Seay,and Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams.
As we move forward to Decision 2010 we will be letting you know of any future plans.Stay tuned "Its time to make a Greater Grand Prairie" !

Public Servant: Ed Gray

For years I have been involved in Public service it has been a lifelong pursuit to improve my community. My roots in public service began with my mother,Gerry Gray who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My mother did this in 1963 at the March On Washington. It is with this background that I have pursued community service on various boards and commissions in the three cities that I have called my hometowns,Dallas, Arlington and Grand Prairie. I am looking forward to continuing public service in the future,and it with this in mind that I have engaged in a public listening tour to hear the concerns of the citizens of Grand Prairie.
Thank you for your patience and indulgences as this blog goes to the heart of Grand Prairie-its people.

Great Entertainment Hits of Grand Prairie

I have had some requests from some of readers to post other entertainers who have performed at Nokia in Grand Prairie,Texas.One of the best concerts of 2008 was the Jamie Foxx concert. Mr.Foxx is originally from Texas,where he was formerly known as the star quarterback for Terrell, Texas High School.It was there that he set records as the first quarterback for pass more than 1000 yards in a season.
Foxx ,raised by his maternal grandmother developed his singing credentials while singing in the church choir.The early 1990's saw Foxx starring in the comedy series "Living Color".Jamie gained attention and notoriety while being one of the promising comedians of that era.After the completion of the series he starred in the "Jamie Foxx Show" where his music was sometimes featured.
Jamie is best known as a comedian but now his talents now include serious accolades as a Academy Award winner for his portrayal Of Ray Charles in "Ray".Take a look at the comedic genius and singing talent of Jamie Foxx as he makes us all laugh at the Comedy Corner.
Jamie Foxx Meets Tupac Shakur

Jaime Foxx and The Brady Bunch>>>>

Jennifer Hudson To Appear in Grand Prairie

American Idol singer,and Oscar Award winner Jennifer Hudson will appear in Grand Prairie next week.She will be appearing @ Nokia Live ,the center of the metroplex with Robin Thicke.In honor of the upcoming concert,we bring you the Jennifer Holliday collection. As they say down in Texas,"this girl can sho nuff sang."

And now the closing.....