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.
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
430 comments Add your comment
EW
August 27th, 2009
3:01 pm
atlantaguy, you forgot that jesus is black, so it would be a dead heat to the finish
Duece Pigbelow
August 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
I’m an African American born and raised in Atlanta from the Dixie Hills Community(don’t laugh), and I’m not voting black. So many years we’ve been hoodwinked into voting for the black candidate who’s preaching to better our communities, reduce crime, and improve our schools. So far money has been taken from our schools systems, crime is horrible, and our taxes continue to rise. What am I paying for taxes for and my kids are graduating school as idiots? I can’t stop by the gas station without being harassed by more idiot worthless souls. I’m sick of it. Atlanta has a history, but it was forgotten when these clowns came into office. All Maynard taught them was to pocket some change, like the bums on the street. Look I’m out of change, as my man said before shooting Malcome “Get yo hands out my pocket!!!”.
Kels
August 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
I think we should not cast Lisa B. to the side already saying she is behind this. Let’s see what she says or if anyone really knows what kind of relationship she has with this guy if it even exists, he could just be some racist supporter. This definitely does not look good for either of the candidates though, especially for her.
mike
August 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
Anybody shedding any tears about the “imprerilled” state of the Jackson Machine that has given us Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin?
T
August 27th, 2009
3:03 pm
John- you are just as racist and outdated as the person who wrote the memo. GET A LIFE!
English
August 27th, 2009
3:04 pm
This is disgusting.
Pago Flyer
August 27th, 2009
3:05 pm
Remember people, only whites are racists.
Where is Frank
August 27th, 2009
3:06 pm
Where is Frank Ski now? I’d love to hear his commentary on this issue and how it’s always only whites that are racist in this world. WRONG.
mike
August 27th, 2009
3:06 pm
“Demographic analysis in a campaign memo? If that’s racist, then the Emancipation Proclamation is elitist.”
What a load of crap. Stating “Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy ” is not “demographic analysis”. It is racism.
Would you not consider a white group stating that “Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a black mayoral candidacy” as racism. Of course you would and you would be right.
Spare us the hypocrisy.
DK
August 27th, 2009
3:07 pm
Hmmmm…… is the face of racial prejudice finally showing which ones have it the most? Think about it.
LILI
August 27th, 2009
3:08 pm
I agree….what a racist….has he ever heard of Affirmative Action….base your jobs and what is required on performance rather than your physical description…RACE….if it would have been a white person saying this they would have already been fired….Is he?
Put your color blind glasses on people!!!!! Vote for the best person!!!!
D'Tavious
August 27th, 2009
3:10 pm
As an African American male I find the comments by this racist personally offensive and small-minded. These are the kind of statements that promote racism and divisiveness in our society. In my opinion there seems to be more examples of racism coming from the African American community these days than from white people in this country.
Truly insulted
August 27th, 2009
3:10 pm
EW your and idiot. Jesus was neither black or white. Read the Bible you idiot
Glad I do no live in Atlanta
August 27th, 2009
3:11 pm
I am a middle aged black man and have lived in the metro area for just over three years. The type of “propaganda” is what keeps Atlanta in the “stone ages”. Please citizens of Atlanta vote for the best person running for mayor regardless of race. This will put the entire region in the position to prosper.
GoJackets
August 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
Jesus was an arab.
Bert
August 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
Aaron Turpeau is Lisa’s Karl Rove; the strategic architect of the Borders campaign. Ms. Borders has hastily scheduled a press conference, likely for damage control.
What she says in that media event will provide a glimpse into how Ms. Borders might perform, were she to become mayor.
If she fails to acknowledge Mr. Turpeau as a top level supporter, or dismisses his racist act as that of an overzealous staffer, she will have shown us all a major flaw in her own character.
It would not be hard for savvy reporters to search for and validate Aaron Turpeau’s role in Border’s campaign. If his role is determined to carry significance, Ms. Borders will have lied to the people of Atlanta and should resign at once.
“Deniability” is a political term used to give a candidate a “clean hands” alibi, when “dirty tricks” such as Aaron Turpeau’s hate mongering tyraids are committed. If Ms. Borders didnt know that her chief advisor was going to distribute his racially charged memos,how could she claim the leadership acumen to lead a major city?
Call me stupid BUT
August 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
Call me stupid but, from reading the memo can we really be sure that the assertions and unstated assumptions were really the thoughts of the writer of the memo. Although these could very well be correct, but the writer of this entry/story does a poor job of ensure that the reader is aware of what information was part of the memo, and what areas were the writers assumptions. This story is slanted to cause an uproar and confusion while adding a racial undertone to an election that thus far has not been marred by racial tactics. This is an attempt yet again by the AJC or its contractors to stir up racial conflicts in this city. The HELL with the AJC, this crap is getting old. Journalism has gone by the way of sensationalism. AJC…National Enquire…is there any difference?
Amy in the ATL
August 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
I’m not easily offended, but this is offensive. Whoever is elected as mayor of Atlanta has the duty to serve the entire city of Atlanta, regardless of skin color, religion, neighborhood, etc. Atlanta has some very serious problems that need to be addressed, and Atlanta voters should choose who to vote for based on experience, ideas, past performance, etc., but not race!
I am a white woman and City of Atlanta voter, and I consider Ms. Borders, Mr. Reed and Ms. Norwood all serious and qualified candidates. I sincerely hope Ms. Borders denounces this memo as well. She should be above this kind of drivel.
DublDawg
August 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
John Doe:
Race means everything in Atlanta, even when the blacks are arguing that is should not. What they mean is, that race should not matter when it benefits them. When they sing the praises of “diversity,” what they really mean is that whites and all other groups have an obligation to accept the hiring, promotion, election of, and contracting with blacks. It is all black-centric, and if any liberal screwball concept should benefit anyone but them, they want no part of that.
The rise of the Afroacracy in Atlanta has been deleterious for the city, and its destruction will be Atlanta’s gain. Several things would benefit the city, as well as some others, like Macon and Savannah. One is to get a mayor that is actually capable of recognizing and attacking the material issues, like infrastructure, public services, a balanced budget, debt service, and trimming waste and fluff, and not just dwell on trivial and things that interest only ethnic groups, like minority contracting programs, minority recreational programs, reverse discrimination programs like those in hiring, firing, and contracting.
The other thing that would help GA cities is for the General Assembly to cut back on the number of members on the City Council. The number of members per registered voter in Atlanta (and in Macon for that matter is absurd). There is noway to get anything done with a 15 member council, and the expense of having them and a staff to support them is manifestly wasteful.
Atlanta needs one good mayor and 5-7 people on a city council, preferably 5-7 people that are literate and honest and distinguish the material from the trivial. Collectively, that group needs to take a chainsaw to trim the size of city government while preserving the essential public services like fire and police rather than using them as a negotiating tool to raise taxes.
The foregoing is wishing for a miracle, and I am not holding my breath. In the absence of something close to it, the city could end up as broke as Birmingham, and there may be a new flight of taxpayers to the suburbs to avoid the consequences of corruption and foolishness.
johnnyapple
August 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Pretty pathetic.
H8R4LIFE
August 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
I would prefer that all whities/honkies/crackers/jiveturkeys henceforth be referred to as European-Americans. It doesn’t seem quite fair that blacks get to be African-Americans, and we’re stuck with such uninteresting nicknames.
I mean, if we want to really get technical, shouldn’t we all be Middle Eastern Americans since mankind is historically traced to that area of the world? At what point do you stop tracing your roots back and decide to be from a certain part of the world like Africa or Asia or North American.
BHO
August 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Let’s all get together and work it out over a cold beer
Tim
August 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Ok, I’ll call you stupid, Stupid.
Jimbo
August 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
What an idiot! This can’t be the guy whose been working around city hall for at least 20+ years. I thought he was a smarter man than this. I figure Maynard Jackson is turning in his grave.
I want Mary Norwood because she’s not Kasim “Let me screw my constituents for Shirley cause I’m angry” Reed or Lisa “I don’t want go to black events” Borders. Just maybe she can turn this city in the right direction.
I happen to be a black and I want Atlanta to grow and prosper.
Turker Slayer
August 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
I really don’t understand what the problem is here. I am black and proud of it. I demand respec and will pop a cap in yo arse if yo da whity comin down da screet. Den i wil rob yo as an git me som chikn.
dgroy
August 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Racism is alive and well in Atlanta, Ga.
EW
August 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
truly insulted, look up the word sarcasm
Typical Atlanta Politics
August 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Same old garbage, different candidate. Just think if Whitey had written this memo? The Civil Rights Dept in Washington DC would be down here in a second, as well as Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and the whole crew. This is typical black Democratic behavior. Keep blacks in power, rather than do what is best for the City/County/State. For anyone new to Atlanta, there is a door you have to open to get into City Hall that is known as the “Black Door”. In order to get in you have to be black. This is a perfect example. Does this qualify as a Hate Crime? Who wrote it, Vernon Jones?
JB
August 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
No doubt that Mr. Turpeau is a racist after reading this. It’s unfortunate that we have people like this keeping racism alive and well in our country. If this was written by a white man I can only imagine the backlash we would be witnessing in the news. There is such a double standard in our country when it comes to racism. I voted for our current President because I felt he was the best man qualified to deal with the situation at hand. The color of his skin had nothing to do with my decision. When we all think that way racism will disappear and people like Mr. Turpeau will not be heard.
...
August 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
“It is debatable to what extent the objective socio-economic and political position of the African American community has improved.”
And where exactly does it say that the mayor of Atlanta is responsible for the political or socio-economic position of anyone? I’m 27 and I really can’t recall any politican saying I’m going to change your socio-economic status, and then actually doing anything about it. Responsible people take charge of their own lives. And this memo, frankly, is irresponsible.
Duece Pigbelow
August 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
I agree Atlanta will continue to be crippled by bigots and idiots. On both sides. You have AA’s who refuse to cooperate and compromise with whites, and you have whites who do the same and feel compelled to express their dislike as if it’s intellegent conversation. The south is a melting pot for condoned ignorant behavior. I blame that on whites. They do not police thier own people. I also blame AA for allowing ignorance to continue to run rampant in this city like cancer. We’re both to blame. That’s why when I choose a candidate it will not be about color. It’s about what you plan to do for my city, my kids, and my TAXES!!!!!!
EW
August 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
go to page one and actually read what atlantaguy wrote and what i was responding to.
An Observer
August 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
One thing that is a known fact, Black folks, especially in the Atlanta area, don’t always fall in behind this type of suggestion simply because someone decided to distribute such racist stuff. A prime example of this is when ML King III ran against Mike Kenn or when Vernon Jordan ran against Jim Martin.
It is not a given that ALL Black people will vote this way simply because Turpeau is making this recommendation.
JASon
August 27th, 2009
3:18 pm
I sat in on the city council meeting last monday- for five hours. And I can tell you what is going on down there is a pitiful joke. I do not understand how you can have such a great political career, and all you are able to do is sit there hemming and hawing and not be able to form a coherent thought. CT Martin, I’m talking about you, you pathetic piece of crap. Let Ceaser, Mary, Carla, and Ivory run this city and go sit in the corner with the other alzheimers victims.
pman
August 27th, 2009
3:19 pm
Truly an informed racist contrived this edict. Like another astute reader noted, this sounds more consistent coming from a Klansman or the Black Panthers than an informed Atlantan.
I think Aaron should look no further than the City of Baltimore, MD which bucked the trend of voting in the “machine” and swept Martin O’Malley into office in 1999. In less than a few years, Martin balanced the books, attracted dozens of fortune 1000 companies into the city, cleaned-up their inner harbor and made Baltimore relevant again…something Atlanta should look long and hard at: The best candidate not the “black” candidate.
ATL Scouser
August 27th, 2009
3:19 pm
I’d like to see an investigation into this matter verifying the memo’s authenticity and the identification of the author. I have a hunch that this is fake given some of the language in the memo–including the phrase “Black Agenda”. I’ve met Dr Turpeau and I’ve been present at many civic functions where he has spoken and none of this sounds like anything that he would purport.
Whether this memo is true or fake and given the fact that our country has elected the first black president recently, who really gives a damn if the mayor is black or not.
Robert
August 27th, 2009
3:19 pm
I persoanlly think we should elect them all, get rid of the council, and allow the co-mayors to steal equally. Let’s just drain the city coffers faster, go for the complete collapse, and THEN start over.
Ashes to ashes, rebirth, all that stuff. RESURGENS!! – the motto for Atlanta, really, it is NOT “Yo, duh A T L!”
Atlanta spent $1 million for a special group to discuss changing the name of the airport. The report was given, and they said no name change was needed but Shirley changed it anyway to push that stick deeper into whitie’s eye.
OH, that group was her friends.
Definetly time for a completely fresh start – worldwide!
EW
August 27th, 2009
3:20 pm
oh and one other thing atlantaguy, you meant to write “you’re an idiot” not “your an idiot” See you meant to write the word formed by “you” and “are” so when you put them together you get the contraction “you’re”, where you replace the “a” with an apostrophe. I know it’s not YOUR fault, you are probably just a product of our worthless education system.
Nativeson71
August 27th, 2009
3:20 pm
I am presently reading the book, “Where Peachtree meets Sweet Auburn.”
It is a fascinating document of Atlanta History. It is also interesting to see how the tables have turned. The above letter written from a black perspective, is very simlar to the views of Lester Maddox-white segreationist.
The blacks & whites need to learn their history – so they do not repeat it. Grow from it.
sickwitit
August 27th, 2009
3:21 pm
It’s a very sad fact that most voting blacks had rather be ruled and governed by a black person than led and encouraged by a white person.
Pauly
August 27th, 2009
3:21 pm
Rich @ 2:40pm – “It is high time that every voter started thinking for themselves…”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! *phew* that was a good one…
common sense
August 27th, 2009
3:22 pm
black…..white…..brown….green….yellow…..blue…
Take a look at your property tax bills … and a bloated ineffective city government………it’s time for change…..the color doesn’t matter
James
August 27th, 2009
3:23 pm
I don’t care what people say. I love my black mayor, president and congressmen. and I will work hard to keep them in office. the last white man I asked for some money from what George W. Bush and he tried to send me to Iraq.
sad brotha
August 27th, 2009
3:23 pm
NEGRO PLEEEEEEEZE!
pman
August 27th, 2009
3:24 pm
One more thing…you know if a white group or entity spoke of such collusion, there would be race riots or protests all over town. It’s time to start thinking like a first world country and not like a bunch of ingrates. What would you want – broke city with a tomato can bum as mayor or a city with leadership and accountability with a possibly white mayor? I’d vote for accountability and leadership before I vote in some dud because of race.
Ryan
August 27th, 2009
3:24 pm
These minority leaders are simply preying on the uneducated poor African American community. The middle to upper class black community can think for themselves but what is going on here with this manipulation of the lower class blacks is sickening. Plain and simple they are just not smart enough to act on their own. And I agree with one blogger who said they put so much emphasis on their ministry leaders that they become some accustomed to obeying whatever these so called people in power are telling them to do. Most of those religious leaders are all about getting money. This is a true story. I drove by a Baptist church on Camp Creek on my way to play golf and the sign out front read “ATM inside”. They put ATM’s in their churches. Unreal…
The Last Believer
August 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
I walked to lunch today – about 4 blocks on Peachtree Street. I passed: (1)a panhandler with a cardboard sign in one hand and an i-phone in the other; (2) a Mike Vick jersey; (3) a group of young Atlantans with pants hanging down past their cracks who tried surrounding and heckling a couple of females; (4) a newstand with headlines of death penalty, mugging, shooting; (5) another panhandler with an Obama bumper sticker on his wheelchair scratching off a stack of lottery tix; and (6) one caucasian. Just another day in capital city of our fine state.
Martin
August 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
“One day we will not judge a person by his color but by his character.” Not in the ATL, the City too busy to hate. What a joke.
PASS ME AN EGGROLL
August 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
Can we get a Chinaman in the mayor’s office puh-leeze? I’m sick of seeing some black dude or some white chick hold office. It’s time for the East SIDE!
Arthur Blank
August 27th, 2009
3:27 pm
Has the AJC fired Cynthia Tuckers black @ss yet? If not she should be all over this. AB