The memo that’s about to shake the Atlanta mayor’s race
A memo arguing that African-Americans should unite behind a single black candidate in the race for mayor of Atlanta is about to become a prime topic of debate.
The material, which we include below, is said to be distributed by Aaron Turpeau, a long-time City Hall figure, on behalf of something called the Black Leadership Forum.
Turpeau argues that Council President Lisa Borders is the only candidate who can prevent the election of Councilwoman Mary Norwood as the first white mayor since Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell.
Both Borders and state Sen. Kasim Reed, also an African-American, have scheduled pressers this afternoon. AJC colleagues Eric Stirgus and Ernie Suggs will be there. We anticipate that Reed will demand that Borders renounce the memo.
Here’s the statement Reed’s campaign has put out in the last few minutes:
“Not only do I find these comments racially charged and vitriolic, I completely repudiate them because they are fundamentally wrong and do not belong in today’s society. I call on Ms. Borders to do the right thing and denounce such divisive, racist language immediately.
“These tactics divide the very community that has made Atlanta emerge as a leading city in the South and dishonors the legacies of Mayors Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Ivan Allen, Sam Massell, and William Hartsfield. This campaign should be waged on the merits of each candidate, not the color of their skin.”
One more point: There is an assertion below that both Norwood and another candidate, Atlanta attorney Jesse Spikes, are Republican. The councilwoman maintains she is neither Democrat nor Republican. Spikes’ communication director says that Spikes is a Democrat, and his voting record reflects that.
Here’s the document at issue:
Introduction
The debate over the best strategic option for black leadership and the African American community as we approach the Mayoral election in Atlanta has become critical based on the fact that for the last 25 years Atlanta has represented the breakthrough for black political empowerment in the South.
It is debatable to what extent the objective socio-economic and political position of the African American community has improved. At the same time, most would agree that the Jackson breakthrough represented an unprecedented opportunity for black political representation nationwide.
A passionate argument has been made for us to develop a unity of purpose and position, and for that to be defined immediately, given the short amount of time remaining between now and November 2009 election day (two and ½ months from now).
There are unstated assumptions that need to be examined. Perhaps the most critical factor is the lack of an agenda against which to evaluate candidates. An agenda, beyond just electing a Black Mayor, would allow us to move from the margins of the debate to controlling the expectations associated with gaining our support.
Three basic assertions have been made. They are as follows:1. There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off;
2. Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election;
3. The reasons support should be given to Lisa Borders is: 1) she is the best black candidate in the race who has a chance to win the election because she can attract downtown white support; and 2) based on polling data drawn from a host of sources between May 2009 and July 2009, the numbers suggest Borders is growing stronger as we move closer to the election, while the most recent polling data suggests that the other black candidates are falling further behind over the same period.
There are also at least three unstated assumptions that should be further explored:
Unstated Assumption
1. With the “Black Mayor first” approach there is an unstated assumption that having a black mayor in Atlanta is equal to having a black social, economic and political agenda or at least someone in office who would be sensitive to that agenda if not a full promoter of that agenda;
2. By coming out for Borders now would eliminate Reed, Spikes and Thomas as viable candidates. Some would argue that if the polling data is correct then those candidates who are only polling at 8%, 2% and 1% respectfully, are already effectively out of the race; and
3. It is unlikely that there will be a unified preference among existing black leadership and in the African American community for one candidate prior to the general election.
The Missing Factors in the Current Approach
There are at least seven real world common knowledge factors that must be taken into consideration as we debate how best to manifest our support in the run-up to the November elections. They are as follows:
1. The impact of current alienation among Black Atlantans from the political establishment;
2. The imperiled state of the Jackson Machine, (in part because of the displacement of close to 100,000 black residents over the past few years) and the effect operation of the NPU system by whites;
3. Shirley Franklin’s perceived poor performance;
4. The changing demographics in the city, the potential role of new city voters and the diminished role of religious and labor leaders in mobilizing the black vote;
5. The importance of the City Council races (which to date seems to have been ignored);
6. The persistent poverty in the city, the educational crisis in the schools; the human security/public safety concerns; the type of economic development policies being pursued; and the city’s awful financial management issues;
7. A Black Agenda that any candidate should be evaluated against.
What’s At Stake?
Determining what’s at stake depends on perspective:
1. The view that the times are too serious to stand on the sidelines is absolutely correct from the perspective of a black mayor at all cost. In fact, if a white candidate were to win the 2009 mayoral race, it would be just as significant in political terms as Maynard Jackson’s victory in 1973.
2. Therefore, the question becomes, if that were the case, how would African American interests be addressed; thus, the need for a comprehensive agenda. At the same time, just having a black mayor doesn’t guarantee that African American issues and concerns would be effectively addressed either (as the current administration’s relationship to the African American community clearly demonstrates). In other words, are we simply providing votes without any expectations of the candidate that would enjoy our support?;
3. While some may think that Franklin represents the last link to the Jackson Machine, it is not widely known that both Borders and Reed are directly connected to Franklin; or that Spikes and Thomas are Republicans, as is Norwood. Additionally, it should not be overlooked that whoever is Mayor of Atlanta will be in position to play an important role in the upcoming 2010 Georgia Governor’s race;
4. The changing demographics which show a more rapid growth in the city’s white population (faster and a higher percentage than anywhere else in the country) requires that we critically evaluate all candidates;
5. To ignore the alienation that exists among black voters towards the Franklin Administration’s performance is naive at best and dishonest at worse; and finally,
6. We need an overall governance strategy and a definition of who really governs in Atlanta. In other words, in 2009 we have arrived at a place in time where we can no longer afford to just look at race in the Mayor’s race or individual council races.
At the end of the day, “when the morning comes,” a black agenda would better enable us to have our interests respected by and our influence realized in any administration.
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430 comments Add your comment
ryanv
August 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Hey Billy, maybe you should note none of those ladies actually live in Atlanta. Most of them are from Duluth.
Oh, and you’re a racist. Don’t forget to tell your friends how racist you are. Looks like you’re eager to share.
Shane
August 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Lisa Borders’ relationship with Turpeau is no secret…she should be ashamed. Sad.
Turpeau Can't Spell
August 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
“ATALNTA” “CONSENTRATE” “CONVENCING” – what an idiot.
Shut Up!
August 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
I’m a young Black male and I am tired of most Black leadership. I have done my research and I am definitely voting for Mary Norwood if she is in the race at the time. It is time for some real change! Black folks have run the city of Atlanta into the pits of HELL and I for one an not going to stand for it anymore. This author has the nerve to suggest that I stand behind a candidate just becuase they are Black and to keep a White candidate out? I for one am not one of these ignorant minorities that is going to stand for nothing and fall for anything so stop insulting my intelligence. Black folks have had there time to prove themselves and I for one am not impressed and you have proven nothing to me but incompetence. I know there are going to be some people calling me an uncle Tom or whatever, and I say go get an education and come up with something better. To the other people on here with all the prejudice and juvenile statements, you only get one sentence from me, grow up!
BPJ
August 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
Then there’s “Jen”, who says,:
“What the thugs don’t realize is that Atlanta used to be a nice, safe city before the first black mayor Jackson took office and “white flight” started. It just proves that black leadership does not work. The thugs would be SMART to elect a white mayor so that it could be cleaned up.”
Wow! Speaking of blunt expressions of racism! Yes, it runs in both directions.
I haven’t decided who to support – I think we actually have 3 good candidates – just read the endorsement in The Sunday Paper of Kasim Reed, by Stephanie Ramage, one of the better political journalists around town……worth reading.
The Oddball
August 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
Dr. King took a bullet for this? As an Atlanta native, it just makes me want to cry.
Truth Seeker
August 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
Can’t spell hell….have you ever heard him speak?
Arthur Thompson
August 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
Blantant black racism calling for support to defeat a very viable white candidate who could bring credibility to a city disgraced with black crime, black corruption, black unemployment and is now a national black led disgrace!!
Reality
August 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Jen, what ethnic group does Cobb County’s Manager belong to? For the past sixteen years Cobb Conuty has had a black conuty manager. Surprise!
BigMac
August 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Ok people, why are we wasting your time on “idiotic” arguments as to who is the best candidate. Strip all candidates of their names and designate them as #1, #2,…. Then have them publish their voting record and campaign contribution listings. Who do we want to vote for: The one who is interested in helping us or those interested only in creating their political empire?
Charlie G
August 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Is Lisa Borders behind this?
The Snark
August 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
It’s not surprising that Aaron Turpeau is also supporting Lamar Willis, who is currently defending a lawsuit by the state alleging that he took money for charitable purposes and spent it on himself.
Race politics, black, white or brown, always lead to the same thing: corruption. Color is no substitute for character.
TS
August 27th, 2009
2:32 pm
How is this not racism? Someone please explain. I look forward to seeing Al Sharton in ATlanta this afternoon to protest. Yea right!
Hamad Meander
August 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
Shut Up! – are you the same “Shut Up!” that comments on the Falcon’s blogs? You are my role model!
Jen
August 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
To BPJ and “Reality” what did I say that was wrong??? All I did was state the TRUTH! Pretty funny how anytime a person says something that is a fact, and it involves black people, it is “racist.”
Diehard
August 27th, 2009
2:35 pm
Help me pick the title of my memo – “The Best White Candidate for Mayor is a Black Woman” vs. “It Takes a Village of White People to Elect a Black Woman Mayor”
providence
August 27th, 2009
2:35 pm
billy bob from cobb,
You’re just a disgruntled Borders supporter who’s probably black. Grow up and get a life.
Boneyard Randy
August 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
Can’t we all just get along. The city will prosper with new blood in office regardless of whether it’s Norwood, Borders or Reed. They are all very accomplished and driven candidates that will be positive forces for our city going forward. Agendas and priorities may differ, but in the end we’re all in this together. Aaron Turpeau needs to move to a different city…or rather, country.
Southside Slim
August 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
What in the heck is this guy thinking? I have to agree with Radioblitzer that this is going to cost Borders, and probably other black candidates, the election. Way to go Aaron. I’m glad you’re not in my corner!
Ash
August 27th, 2009
2:37 pm
I be black and Atlanta will always have a black mayor because of scrimination. We scriminate against the white peoples, we scriminate against the Asian peoples, and we shore enough scriminate against the hispanics. So, if you don’t be black, you don’t belong in Atlanta. Shoot, Obama don’t even qualify to be mayor of Atanta, he’s a half white half black mixed up half-breed, that aint’ black enough.
Eduardo
August 27th, 2009
2:37 pm
As a black man, this is disgusting. I have only been in Atlanta 4 years but what I have seen has disappointed me politically. The arrogance and ignorance displayed by black people in power in this area is astonishing. It seems like every few months, someone of color who is in power does something stupid to embarrass our culture and this country. This is no different.
providence
August 27th, 2009
2:37 pm
Charlie G,
Lisa Borders is absolutely behind this business. She and Turpeau have a long and entangled (and I emphasis the entangled part) history.
really
August 27th, 2009
2:37 pm
We have already let race rule over one recent election and look how that turned out. Race should NEVER be a reason to vote for someone.
Angus
August 27th, 2009
2:39 pm
If only OH MY GAWD @ 2:11 could have posted all of those email addresses.
I see a Young, a Lowery, DeCosta, Martin – and there’s no machine left? Huh.
Borders, I’m sure, is thankful that she wasn’t included in that email.
billy bob from cobb
August 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
I think its very important to keep the black power structure in place. They have done a great job over the last thirty years. We enjoy such a low rate of crime and a very high standard of living. Lets not forget our wonderful airport and that state of the art hospital Grady. Lets think of Atlanta as a micro example of what the entire country will look like under the chosen one Obama.
Rich
August 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
Thanks David S…I’m posting his post again because it needs to be said over and over and over!!!
The blatant racism that plagues the black community in this country is a sad testament to the failure of everything MLK stood for. The assumption that anyone, just because they are black, can do a good job as mayor (or president for that matter) is about as absurd as believing that anyone who is white can do the same. The same would hold true about anyone who is a republican, a democrat, a man, or a woman. Evidence will show that most everyone who aspires to political office is more deserving of jail than the job they seek. We ended up in Iraq and Afghanistan because of blind faith and party loyalty. We got the first and second bailouts for the same reasons. We may get saddled with a horrible government controlled healthcare system for the same reasons.
It is high time that every voter started thinking for themselves, and stop allowing self-interested racist or political groups to do their thinking for them. Altanta’s next mayor will have to face serious challenges and make tough and economically responsible decisions if this city is to survive the ever-worsening depression this country is now in. Gender, color, or political affiliation are certainly no guarantee of common sense or good judgement. If the past 2 decades of Atlanta history (or american history for that matter) haven’t proven that, nothing will.
AMEN!!!
Reality
August 27th, 2009
2:41 pm
When will blacks in Atlanta begin to think for themselves instead of letting black clergy do our thinking. Not every black reverend is an MLK. We in the black community lend absolutely too much credence to ministers. People, it is about power and control, although you are constantly being told that it is about your salvation. Do some research on the history of the Christian church and the behavior of the early power players. You will be absolutely amazed.
Corey
August 27th, 2009
2:43 pm
I’m voting white this time. There, I said it.
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
August 27th, 2009
2:43 pm
We have all known that Atlanta is a joke. Time is up! Other cities are taking notice too. These folks can’t balance their OWN checkbooks so we have these clowns running our city. FOLKS WAKE UP! Norwood for Mayor…DETROIT you are NEXT!!
Here comes ALPINE CHOCOLATE.
billy bob from cobb
August 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
Where is Hoesa when you need him?
cjamesatl
August 27th, 2009
2:45 pm
3 words: Pot. Kettle. Black.
EW
August 27th, 2009
2:45 pm
Why do black people perpetuate racism?
“There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta”
“Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy”
“if a white candidate were to win the 2009 mayoral race, it would be just as significant in political terms as Maynard Jackson’s victory in 1973.”
This talk is nothing more than racist propoganda, aimed at the ignorant and uninformed. How about a group for a mayor that can cut down crime, decrease budget deficits, create jobs, and MOST importantly, save our SCHOOLS! Our kids are falling behind the rest of the country and it’s sad. White or Black, we need someone who is a great ATLANTAN and can address issues. Please do your part and do some research on the issues before you listen to ignorant, racist propoganda.
TRUTH
August 27th, 2009
2:46 pm
As a black man, this disgusts me as well. The very thing that the majority detests we are guilty of. If we were to rally behind ANY candidate, please let us rally around them for merit, not for color. This idiot should be fired and never permitted to serve in government, in any capicity, again. I’m holding my head…
What an idiot…
don speaks
August 27th, 2009
2:46 pm
this shows how far out of touch our city and country are with the golbal reality that has and will continue to shape our future. our schools are terrible, crime is off of the scale, over 40 % of african americans do not have healthcare insurance,drugs and alcohol have devastated our people and poverty is as stifling as hurricane katrina. we had beetter wake up before our city,state and nation really become insignificant in the 21st century.ignorance is a dangerous thing !
EW
August 27th, 2009
2:48 pm
This is black on black violence at its worst.
Intown Lover
August 27th, 2009
2:50 pm
To paraphrase the words of Atlanta’s native son, Dr. King, “…one day, my little children will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character…..” Folks, wake up and let’s live the dream.
Shut Up!
August 27th, 2009
2:51 pm
@ Hamad, no, not the same person. I took a hiatus from blogging on this site because it all ended the same way, regardless of the topic. I started reading this particular blog, and for the most part people have been civil. I felt that my words would actually be heard and hopefully get through to someone reading. I hope we can continue to be civil on here. Thanks!
Captain Jack
August 27th, 2009
2:51 pm
As a black male, I undedrstand the desire to elect another “black” person. However, looking at the terrible mess the city of Atlanta has become under black leadership, I would welcome a change. It is time for the best candidate to be elected, be they white or black.
Go dogs.
Chris
August 27th, 2009
2:52 pm
I am blind. Can someone help me tell the candidates apart some way other than skin color?
Truly Angry
August 27th, 2009
2:52 pm
This is crazy. The Black Agenda? R u serious? So vote for a person just because there black. The AJC has become a haven for racist black people. Im sorry to say that the day will never come that we do not involve race into any issue. We are born into this world as equals and sadly no one wants to see it that way. I think All people of all races need to come together and put a stop to this once and for all.
Astute Observer
August 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
Were the author of caucasian ethnicity and wrote the same drivel favoring the charming and highly qualified Ms. Norwood there would be such an outcry of racism it would resound from the highest mountain. However, the author is of sub-saharan african descent and therefore will enjoy full immunity for his inappropriate diatribe. Typical Atlanta politics further entrenched.
Travis
August 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Uh Oh looks like some people are getting nervous at city hall, no more rape and plunder of the city coffers, and the airport contracts.
FBriggs
August 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Ouch! Borders Exposed. Playing the race card below I-20 huh?
Atlanta_Tiger_Fan
August 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Why do these people insist on having a black mayor??? Look at all the big cities with black mayors…they usually have very high crime rates, are dirty and usually loosing money. You people need to look past the skin color and vote for the person that will best help the city. Just look what your vote for the black president is getting you….NOTHING!!! He’s ruining this country and it’s economy.
Atlantaguy
August 27th, 2009
2:57 pm
You can bet dollars that on election day, people like Jesse Jackson, Sharpton, and Lowery supporters will literally be driving door to door to load older black residents onto buses to take them to the polls to vote for “their candidate”. After living in Atlanta for 25 years I can honestly say that blacks are the most race-centered group of people here, and vote ONLY based on skin color and nothing else. If New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ran here, they would vote for him over Jesus, because Nagin is black and for no other reason.
My challenge to local blacks – I DARE YOU to give someone else a chance. Just once. See what happens.
Chris Broe
August 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
Demographic analysis in a campaign memo? If that’s racist, then the Emancipation Proclamation is elitist. (Or at least snobbery)
We’ve lost our way. We invent motivations that aren’t there. Winning an election in Iraq could be called racism too. The Shia have to vote together or the Sunnis will run over them. and vice versa. Not to mention the Kurds.
mike
August 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
Racist drivel. What a disgrace.
Jen
August 27th, 2009
2:59 pm
Another great day in BlackLanta:
DA seeks death penalty 12:04 p.m.
Davis case treads new ground 12:08 p.m.
Women mugged near Tech 11:31 a.m.
3 linked to restaurant heists 11:11 a.m.
Long feud leads to shootings
Shut Up!
August 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
@ Astute Observer, very sad yet very true. To everyone else that is bringing up Jessie and Al, newsflash, only the ignorant follow them regardless of the issue. There are plenty of Blacks that want nothing to do with either of them, including myself.
sedimenjerr
August 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
Wow, amazing.
If you switch black and white it sounds just like something from 50 years ago.
Fortunately this memo is from one person and does not accurately reflect the consensus of all blacks.