Draft:Dujuan L. Thomas
Dujuan L. Thomas | |
|---|---|
| File:Dujuan Thomas at Paducah City Hall.jpg Dujuan Thomas at Paducah City Hall | |
| Born | May 22, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Celebrity Interviewer, Writer, Actor |
| Known for | Celebrity Interviews, Youngest Political Candidate in Kentucky History [1] |
| Notable work | D.A.M. (Short Film) |
| Website | dujuanthomas |
Dujuan Thomas is a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School,[2] the University of Louisville,[3][4] and American University Washington College of Law.[5][6] He is a well know media personality having his first celebrity encounter with Bill Murray in 2015 while at a River Dogs baseball game,[7] where Bill sang to him a song about his hometown of Paducah.[8] Dujuan has went on to interview several notable singers, actors and wrestlers like Rikishi (wrestler).[9][10]
On June 14th 2019 , Dujuan co-hosted and sponsored The "MI GENTE" fashion show in his hometown of Paducah Kentucky. He was the marketing director and partner of Par Patreq the designer of the show. Dujuan set up the charity of the show with The Boys & Girls Club of Paducah. Nearly $1000 was raised to forward the Boys and Girls Clubs mission.[11][12]
Political Career
[edit]On May 4th 2020 Dujuan announced his run for Mayor of his hometown of Paducah Kentucky. [13] Dujuan also received the highest honor obtainable in Kentucky, Kentucky Colonel, at the age of 21 by the current governor, Andy Beshear , for his noteworthy service, achievements, and accomplishments.[14] In a radio interview Dujuan discussed what it has been like to build his brand and also his success over the years. They discussed what led him into a life of service and what he hopes to be able to do for the people of Paducah, Kentucky. [15] Dujuan also co-hosted a large unity rally in Paducah during his mayoral run.[16]
In 2022, a controversy arose involving Paducah City Commissioner David Guess, who faced backlash for sending racially charged text messages about Dujuan Thomas, who was running for a city commission seat at the time.[17] The text messages surfaced following the removal of political signs from city property, which included signs for Thomas, an African-American candidate. These messages were later considered by the Paducah City Commission as grounds for a misconduct charge against Guess, with the commission voting 4-0 in favor of a resolution condemning his actions.[18][19] However, Guess abstained from voting on this resolution, and while the commission sought his removal, a court injunction ultimately prevented the action. The legal process concluded with Guess remaining in office following a mutual agreement with the city, which discontinued further legal proceedings.[20] Dujuan Thomas, in response, expressed forgiveness but urged for the situation to be used as an opportunity for broader community understanding and growth. He emphasized the importance of racial equity and accountability within the city's leadership, advocating for a learning moment for all involved. Dujuan has gone on to continue and be a voice vouching for transparency and accountability in the city of Paducah. [21]
In 2024, Dujuan won his bid for Paducah City Commission at the age of 26. He plans to lead with transparency, helping the city make better legal-minded decisions.[22][23][24]
References
[edit]- ^ "DUJUAN THOMAS ON BEING YOUNGEST PERSON TO RUN FOR MAYOR IN KENTUCKY HISTORY". KashKampodcast.simplecast.com.
- ^ "Paducah Tilghman High School". The Paducah Sun. June 27, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "28 students named scholarship winners over the weekend". April 25, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "U of L student sexually assaulted and robbed at Cardinal Towne Apartments, police say". WDRB. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "City commission candidate earns master's degree". The Paducah Sun. 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Paducah City Commission candidate corrects record on educational background". WPSD Local 6. 2024-01-05. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Bill Murray Sung about My Town | Bill Murray Stories | Bill murray, My town, Singing". Pinterest. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "Bill Murray Sung about My Town". May 12, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "Hall of Famer wishes he faced Bray Wyatt in WWE". Sportskeeda.
- ^ Talukder, Sudip (2022-04-28). "WWE Hall of Famer would love to have a match with Bray Wyatt". Media Referee. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Hometown fashion designer hosts show for Boys and Girls Club". The Paducah Sun. June 19, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "Fashion & Runway Modeling: 'Mi Gente' Fashion Show | Backstage". Backstage.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
- ^ "Write In Candidate Files for Mayoral Race". The Paducah Sun. May 6, 2020.
- ^ "Paducah Native Dujuan Thomas Running for Mayor". West Kentucky Star. May 5, 2020.
- ^ "Dujuan Thomas discusses his journey to success and service". Blog Talk Radio. 15 May 2020.
- ^ Brines, Jonathan (2020-05-31). "Hundreds rally, march in Paducah". WSIL-TV. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ mblanford@paducahsun.com, MASON BLANFORD (2022-12-16). "Guess charged with misconduct; refuses to resign". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Fuller, Leanne (2023-01-17). "Paducah City Commission votes unanimously in favor of removing Commissioner David Guess". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Kane, Jack (2023-02-28). "Speaking at Paducah City Commission meeting, former commission candidate Thomas says Commissioner David Guess should resign". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ mblanford@paducahsun.com, MASON BLANFORD (2023-01-25). "Guess appeals his removal from city commission". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Trimmel, Jasmine Youngblood, Brayden (2023-12-12). "Paducah approves new city code of ethics after making revisions". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Spencer, Will (2024-11-06). "Voters elect Henderson, Smith, Wilson and Thomas to Paducah City Commission". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Allen, Arriyonna; Sanders, Jaden (2024-11-06). "City leaders look forward to a new year on the commission". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Dujuan Thomas (Paducah City Commission At-large, Kentucky, candidate 2024)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Parish, Lindsay (2022-10-06). "Dujuan Thomas". Paducah Creative & Cultural Council. Retrieved 2024-11-10.