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
EW
August 27th, 2009
4:00 pm
Stacy, it wasn’t Bush’s fault black people can’t swim. Sorry couldn’t resist.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 27th, 2009
4:00 pm
Of course voting on someone based on they color is racist………. of course Shirley Franklin is racist ……… of course Bill Campbell is racist……… of course Jesse Jackson is racis. Everybody knows that.
No mas Liberals
August 27th, 2009
4:00 pm
Stacy: “Homer please Bush left black people to drown in new orleans for Five Days.”
Hahahahaha!!!! You intolerant, hate-infested liberal. I’m sure you think Ray “Chocolate City” Nagan did no wrong during Katrina. Always W’s fault, eh? Hahaha!!! Thank you for again proving why liberals are nothin but excuse-making ignorant bigots.
Whitey
August 27th, 2009
4:02 pm
Looks like white people can’t be blamed for this debacle. This is really nothing new. Andrew Young used to tell people “if its black vote black” and no one would say a thing. Bill Campbell openly admitted to having disdain for white people and Shirley Franklin ran radio ads touting that the GOP would use hoses on black people. There is something seriously screwed up about the entire democrat party and some black people need to grow up.
Steve
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
I can see how Turpeau (and probably Borders) thought this kind of rhetoric would work in their favor though. Remember a couple years ago, when Shirley, Andy Young and John Lewis collaborated on that last-minute scare tactic to get the black community to vote for John Eaves for Fulton County Chairman? I distinctly recall hearing Lewis babbling about how if Republicans took over the commission, we would “return to the days of guard dogs and fire hoses.” He also said that your vote might depend on a vote for (black Democrat) Eaves.
Black Atlanta bought it and Eaves won by a landslide, despite a major outcry in the few days before the election.
Moral of the story: the average black Atlantan is dumber than a stale bagel and more gullible than a five-year-old. Why not employ the same form of political pandering and race-baiting that has worked so well in the past?
Homer
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
Bush did not leave black people to drown in New Orleans, it was Blanco and the NO mayor Negan. If you knew better and the laws of this country and did not have your head up your a$$ you would know Bush asked Blanco if she need help on Sunday and she said no. Its was on tape by the way. If you know anything about the Posse Comitatus Act it forbids the President of the US from sending in Federal troops without a Governors approval. What did Blanco tell President Bush about helping, NO THANK YOU WE ARE FINE FOR NOW!!!!!
Hence you are misguided and lied to by the Democrats.
free
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
dick williams and phil kent (the georgia gang) are going to have a field day with this!
Kia
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
Jesus isn’t black? I think it would at least be a run-off. Everybody relax, its not that serious. Many Atlantan voters are more intelligent than the readers of this memo or blog seem to believe. Most rational individuals will vote for the individual most capable of leading Atlanta into a better future for all of its citizens….right? Everyone has an opinion and Mr. Turpeau is entitled to express his, even if it may amount to the eqivalent of his attempt to commit professional suicide. The writers (use that term VERY loosly) at the AJC sure know know how to set it off…smh. This crap would never work in the north.
Atlanta Native
August 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
You know, I never thought that, as a white man, I should try to vote so that Thurbert Baker would not be elected Attorney General because he black, or for that matter a Democrat. I voted for him because he was, and still is, the best person for the job. He will probably make a good governor too.
What a bunch of bigots! We are the city of Martin Luther King and his dream seems to have lead to black people judging people on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character. Dr. King would be sickened by such bigoted tactics and, if still alive, would probably pack up and leave Atlanta if he saw his dream perverted by the very beneficiaries thereof. Do you really think that people went down to Selma so that their descendants would have the opportunity to vote for candidates just to keep a certain race in power?
If we are ever to become a post-racial society, certain people need to look very hard at the person in the mirror, put white skin on that face, and loudly pronounce that all steps need to be taken to keep the white people in office. Congratulations! Now you are a white bigot too!!!
Whitey
August 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
Stacy, ever heard of the black mayor RAY CHOCOLATE NAGIN??????????
HE LET ALL THOSE POOR BLACK PEOPLE DROWN AND STARVE.
Geez, you idiots like to beat a dead horse don’t you.
Gullah Griot
August 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
I am an African American woman and a proud Mary Norwood Supporter. She has been a great at-large advocate for all people and issue in this city for many years. She is the best candidate for the job. This memo does not reflect all African American people.
danno1
August 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
If you want the Atlanta to prosper and get out of debt vote WHITE
If you want better Educated children Vote White.
If you want less crime vote White
I am White
Steve
August 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
He said that your LIFE might depend on a vote for Eaves, rather.
WBM
August 27th, 2009
4:05 pm
It is a fact that liberals are far more racist then conservaties. Ebonics was the result of liberal whites who believed that African Americans couldn’t learn the English language which I thought was very offensive. This letter is another example of race trumping performance. Sad world we live in.
Whitey
August 27th, 2009
4:06 pm
Jesus was Jewish. Not African and not Anglo.
The_Vessel
August 27th, 2009
4:07 pm
Curious….The author writes….”On behalf of something called the Black Leadership Forum”.
I wonder does he refer to the Buckhead Coaltion, Central Atlanta Progress, and other self-appointed Atlanta regulation groups as “something”. I can assure you he doesn’t. When a journalist fails to reach down in their well equipped lexicon when describing an African American designation, the hypocrisy becomes apparent. Don’t be so simple, Jim.
Kia
August 27th, 2009
4:08 pm
Thanks Whitey…knew you’d have the answer!
day-o
August 27th, 2009
4:08 pm
If you want another Detroit vote Black
Blacks have done nothing for this city except have more blacks move here.
What hve blacks done for Atlanta
Dwanda Farmer - Post 1 At Large Candidate
August 27th, 2009
4:08 pm
I am appalled (to be polite) by the blatant racist perspective of the presenters of this “so called black agenda.” I am black and this is NOT my agenda. If I had an agenda for black people in Atlanta it would be a quest for a quality education; safe, decent affordable housing; access to healthcare; jobs that pay a living wage; and public transportation that goes where people want to go timely and economically!
Atlanta has had a black Mayor and majority black leadership for the past 36 years. What benefit was it to more than a handful of black people who because of their “name” get to participate in politics or government contracting opportunities? Where is the opportunity for the rest of the people in Atlanta? This “black leadership” has failed to enact a “black agenda” in 36 years and there should be little expectation from black people that these same “black leaders” are going to do anything different if they continue to reign in power. The problem is these people are NOT “black leaders” they are “leading blacks” and they have been leading black people in the wrong direction for far too long. What happened to “the city too busy to hate”?
What Atlanta needs now is to elect the best qualified candidates with the ability to deliver what is important to Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians and any other ethnic group that may call Atlanta home. Atlanta can no longer continue to elect people because they are their “friends” or because their “name” is the same as someone else who was prominent in their own right at some time in the past.
In my book, “everybody is somebody” and we all want the same quality of life in Atlanta! When I am elected, I will open city contracting opportunities to more local businesses so they can hire local workers and contribute to building a robust local economy. I won’t go to council with a short list of friends to take care of from City Hall and I won’t owe any of these so called black leaders anything either.
I think the voters of Atlanta have enough common sense to elect who they believe is the best person qualified to serve them despite their race and they don’t need the Black Leadership Forum to tell them different.
What should be important in any election, is the experience, education and ability of the candidate to get the job done! In the Post 1 race, I AM that person. When the voters elect me, I won’t say I’ll make you proud, but I do promise “I won’t let you down.”
Whitey
August 27th, 2009
4:08 pm
Atlanta has had black mayors for over 25 years. In those 25 years Atlanta has become a cesspool of crime and corruption. It might be time to put in a competent person who can get Atlanta back on track.
Liberalism Is Racism
August 27th, 2009
4:09 pm
Liberalism is racism. Yulp.
Whitey
August 27th, 2009
4:10 pm
Kia, sure thing.
booger
August 27th, 2009
4:10 pm
How is this any different than Mayor Franklin stating at a national Mayors meeting that her biggest fear for Atlanta was that Black leadership would be lost as the population shifted. And let’s not forget the famous political ad last year where the Mayor and John Lewis said Blacks would be hosed and hunted down by dogs in the street if a white were elected as head of the Fulton co. commission.
Hamad Meander
August 27th, 2009
4:11 pm
Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican:
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=16500
He also said: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Why can’t we do that now?
Steve
August 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
Booger – that was actually in ‘06. But yeah, those shady white Republicans and their fire hoses. Watch out!
GA voter
August 27th, 2009
4:13 pm
Unbelievable. I’m going to rally all of my friends to vote for Norwood. She’s going to win anyway. Let’s get the racists out of positions of power in this city.
free
August 27th, 2009
4:13 pm
the daily AJC blogs are more racist than the memo. it’s naive to think racism doesn’t exist in the ATL on both sides. why are we surprised?
Shut Up!
August 27th, 2009
4:14 pm
Tray, how can you call people hypocritical that you know nothing about or what they stand for? You are just making generalizations about an entire group of people and you don’t know how ignorant that makes you sound. So before you go off into your tirades, stop and think, then type.
homer
August 27th, 2009
4:15 pm
There is no news here. This blatant racism has been part of the black Atlanta “culture” ever since they grew to a plurality and took over the city. Only problem is, one of the “homies” screwed up and put the agenda in print. I see there are a few black people on here proclaiming their disgust with this and vowing that they “vote for the best candidate”. Maybe they say that to make themselves feel better about their own racist feelings. In reality, however, when they go in the voting booth the record shows they vote black regardless of past record, transgressions, or total lack of competency. If you don’t believe it, then explain how Atlanta continues to be represented in the House by that old, incompetent, racist fool John Lewis, and explain how 98% of black Americans helped to elect our current disaster of a President. For the black community, he had no qualification for President other than being black. Black leadership in Atlanta has built nothing; they have destroyed the foundation that started Atlanta on the road to being a great city. Atlanta’s best days are behind us. And by the way, you can bet we will have another black mayor, whether qualified or not and he/she will get 99% of the black vote.
KAD
August 27th, 2009
4:15 pm
LIKE SHEEP
chirper
August 27th, 2009
4:18 pm
America is basically finished. Face it. The majority of the electorate is TOO STUPID to vote. I can’t wait til our family can fold our tent and get out of this place in three years. Look where the last four mayors have taken us (really great choices, eh?)! This City is just like our Country – in serious trouble. Atlantans better wake up and make an informed and wise choice and not simply choose by skin color again(who are the real racists here?)! Everyone will suffer if they put ANOTHER pathetic candidate in office…and I mean everyone (from top to bottom).
Thomas Sowell for president
August 27th, 2009
4:19 pm
As a white guy with white skin and white parents, I would gladly vote for plenty of great black leaders. Some that come to mind are Thomas Sowell, Larry Elder, Condi Rice, Michael Steele, Shelby Steele, Harold Ford Jr., JC Watts and many others.
Darb
August 27th, 2009
4:19 pm
Im an Atlanta native, but completely believe this city has gone into the toilet, and black “leadership” is the reason.
I need not say anumore, or I’ll certainly be labeled a racist. (maybe that isnt so bad)?
President Obama is a communist
August 27th, 2009
4:20 pm
President Obama is a communist.
President Obama is a communist
August 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
Darb, being labeled a racist just means that liberal dead beats won’t talk to you. Is that a bad thing?
Shut Up!
August 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
Oh well, we were civil at first but then all the ignorance came. Time for me to go and I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe evening. Do extensive research before your vote the next time, please.
darrellharrison.com
August 27th, 2009
4:22 pm
@ Thomas Sowell: I would add economist, professor and black conservative, Walter Williams, to that list.
M Kirkland
August 27th, 2009
4:22 pm
Ms Borders refuse to address concerns of all citizens as I have emailed her repeatedly and talked with supporters to contact me. She cares less about Northwest Atlanta where Mary and Jesse do. The supposed breakins seem like media swell when a time she needed and she is just more of the same.since I have been in Atlanta for twenty years. This letter is revolting.
Keith Olbermann is a racist
August 27th, 2009
4:22 pm
KEITH OLBERMANN:
I hate to intrude with the facts but ours is the highest rated cable news program viewers 35 and younger and the highest rated cable news program for all viewers not on Fixed News. And since Fixed News has since now migrated completely over to serving propaganda to tin foil hatters, conspiracy theorists, paranoids and racists it is not a news organization making this show the highest rated cable news program, period.
The O’Reilly Factor – 3,440,000 viewers
Hannity – 2,937,000 viewers
Glenn Beck – 2,810,000 viewers
On The Record w/ Greta Van Susteren – 2,450,000 viewers
Special Report with Bret Baier – 2,066,000 viewers
Fox Report w/Shep Smith – 1,860,000 viewers
Countdown w/ K. Olbermann – 1,114,000 viewers
Larry King Live – 1,063,000 viewers
Typical
August 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
Now tell me who the racists are in “the ATL”!!!
Thomas Sowell for president
August 27th, 2009
4:23 pm
darrellharrison.com, yes, I said many others. He would be one of them.
JB
August 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
The haters have arrived…..C YA
Thomas Sowell for president
August 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
Typical, sure thing:
1: Shirley Franklin
2: Bill Campell
3: Frank Ski
4: Rev. Joseph Lowry
5: John Lewis
6: Ludacris
7: Cynthia Mckinny
8: Cynthia Tucker
9: Jay Bookman
10: Billy Mckinny
My allegiance lies with Auburn, not the SEC
August 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
Kudos to Sen. Reed and many leaders of the black community for immediately dismissing this drivel. Now, here’s the litmus test: Is there ANY reason Turpeau should have a job come Monday morning? This is 1000 times more blatant racism thatthe stupid antics of Don Imus and John Rocker, and 1000 times more important (the welfare of a city is at hand here; who did Imus and Rocker truly PERSONALLY wrong?)
Let’s see if the media treats it as such.
Aksarben
August 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
This is disgusting. We shouldn’t be united any race behind any single candidate. The city of Atlanta is is dire straits right now and needs a competent mayor today — regardless of his or her race. Put the good of the city ahead of any kind of ethnic consideration. PLEASE.
Mechanicsville
August 27th, 2009
4:27 pm
Move over whitey and welcome welcome the black man to GREED and HATE.
One in Atlanta
August 27th, 2009
4:27 pm
I think people are jumping to the conclusion that the counselor (Dr. Turpeau) is the person cited in this story, looks a bit young to be part of Maynard Jackson’s campaigns don’t you think?
Possibly this man – but I don’t know for sure
http://www.monumentalmedia.com/arc/gaw/aaronturpeau/001/
http://www.environmentaltrademission.org/aturpeau.php
Aaron Turpeau
Work Experience — City of Atlanta Mayors Cabinets for 17 years: Maynard Jackson’s Chief of staff, Commissioner of Administrative Services, Director of Employment and Training; Andrew Young’s Commissioner of Planning and Development and Commissioner of Administrative Services. South East Manager of Abt Associates, Director of Metropolitan Lima Ohio Urban Coalition, Director of Hamilton County Neighborhood Youth Core.
Business Experience —President of 3T Unlimited, Chairman of The Aaron Group.
Community Experience — Chairman of Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Board Member of Atlanta Regional Council, Chairman of Global Atlanta Advisory Council, Chairman of Atlanta Black Agenda Business Resource Center, Treasurer and Past Chairman of Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, Past Chairman of Cascade United Methodist Church Building Committee, Past Chairman of Church Administrative Council, Past Chairman of PPR, Past Chairman of Council on Ministries, Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Leadership Atlanta Alumnus, Leadership Georgia Alumnus.
Political Experience — Committee Chairman for Atlantans for Maynard Jackson in 1973, Campaign Manager, Atlantans for Maynard Jackson in 1977, Campaign Chairman, Atlantans for Maynard Jackson in 1987, Lead for Volunteers for President Jimmy Carter’s 1976 campaign, State Deputy Director of President Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, State Get Out The Vote (GOTV) Director of Governor Roy Barnes’ 1994 campaign, GOTV Director of Mayor Shirley Franklin’s 2001 and 2005 campaigns, Director of City of Atlanta bond issue campaigns.
Education — B.A., West Virginia State College, M.Ed. Xavier University
Family — Married 44 years to Brenda Clarkson Turpeau, family’s first entrepreneur; Aaron M. Turpeau Jr., Phd, Psychologist and Author; Michel Martiné Turpeau M.B.A., Business Partner; Alem Dester Turpeau, M.D.; four beautiful grand children, all consistently on honor roll at their schools.
Eric
August 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
The disgusting racism exhibited by the black community in Atlanta makes me glad I moved two years ago. How am I supposed to be blind to your color when you flaunt it in my face like a badge of honor?
Thomas Sowell for president
August 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
My allegiance lies with Auburn, not the SEC, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR EAGLE!
JASon
August 27th, 2009
4:30 pm
SUPPORT ONE WHITE CANDIDATE.
Why can’t I say that? Ajc just said it on their front page.