Ulysses Johnson II, a barbecue cook known as founder of Longview's Juneteenth parade, hosted a barbecue Saturday at New Life Outreach Assisted Living on Mobberly Avenue. The menu included chicken, Cajun sausage, ribs and beans.
For about 20 years, Johnson has helped clients at the facility register to vote and introduced them to local candidates. He said his goal is to get them to the polls. He is not running for office this year. "I don't care how they vote," he said. "Just go vote."
Johnson, nearly 70, said times are hard and change is needed. "I got kids, got grandkids coming," he said. This year he brought Gregg County Pct. 4 Commissioner Danny Craig II and State Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, to meet clients. He usually feeds clients on Election Day, but because of a recent ailment he held the barbecue Saturday, three days before Election Day.