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
Miran D Belyue Sr.
August 28th, 2009
11:19 am
Normally, I don’t respond to nameless, Faceless cowards that spew hatred but on this occassion i will make the exception. To the person (the alias) proud white male. Racism comes in all colors. But it would be idiotic to assume all people of any one race is racist. I am black and i believe there are misguided people of all colors. As far as Civil or Human Rights groups are concerned they are definitely needed. The election of the first black president only highlighted the Country’s desire to elect the best man for the job. However it does show that such (Groups) as you called them (Human and Civil Rights organizations), Need to begin to focus more on unity as the country is at the crossroads of ecconomic disaster.
Chuck U. Farlie
August 28th, 2009
11:24 am
LOL very true Frank, we vote for “CHANGE”!!
PAT FROM ELLENWOOD
August 28th, 2009
11:29 am
Just looked up jesse spikes voting record and he is not only a democrat he is a strong democrat. He has never voted anything but democrat. sorry aaron–you’re wrong on that one. what a waste of ink. you should be ashamed of yourself.
Dangerous
August 28th, 2009
11:31 am
I don’t think anyone could argue with the notion that CLARK HOWARD would truly be a candidate for the PEOPLE! Sound economic guidance is what this city needs to correct itself! ALL WOULD BENEFIT!
CoooolRider
August 28th, 2009
11:32 am
Oh Miran, now dont forget, Obama is not just “black” he is white too. Saying that electing the first black president only highlight’s the country’s desire for the best man for the job is a racist statement. Who cares whether he is black or white, its what he stands for, not the color of his skin, sooner or later black people are going to come to realize this, unfortunately it probably wont be in my lifetime. We need a mayor who can get the city of Atlanta out of the mess its been in for quite some time, no matter whether they are black, white, purple or even polka dotted!
UglyPuppy
August 28th, 2009
11:35 am
WOW! Time….I’ve got say – let’s hope you can’t vote or breed…
“Character and understanding”? REALLY?
New World Order? REALLY?
Ever heard of ACORN?
FrankThaTank
August 28th, 2009
11:46 am
Whats sad is how the majority of black people that voted for Obama only voted for him because he is black, not knowing at all what he represents. Just ask someone why they voted for him, and they can never give you a straight answer, ohh what this country is coming too! I think the mayor race is going to be the same way unfortunately.
Time
August 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
UglyPuppy, I guess you are a bible thumper also. Breed? too late, and hope to do more.
Cut the CRAP
August 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
So white people are saying that if they grew up and never heard of a viable white candidate, if they were forced to vote black or not at all. Then finally got to the point in their adult lives that there was a choice among candidates and more diversity. After 30 or 40 years, they are finally able to vote for a white candidate, they would want to focus on the agenda. Gimme a break. Put yourselves in the position of black people. Racism is alive and well. Today it’s more economic and political. We now have a voice and representation and we shouldn’t use it? We should focus only on qualifications and not what’s important to US. You have been doing this ignorant crap for centuries. Now it’s our turn. Deal with it.
R B Gilmore
August 28th, 2009
12:26 pm
Just think if a white person had said this the blacks would be all over them but since a black said it then it must be ok wake up people. Atlanta is already in the pits and anyone who can help needs to step up and do it
Deborah
August 28th, 2009
12:31 pm
Does anyone here doubt that Reed’s campaign operatives are neck deep in this? Throw out a divisive memo– one that makes sure to advocate on behalf of your only viable opponent. This stuff is so old-skool politics it ain’t funny.
UglyPuppy
August 28th, 2009
12:37 pm
Well, now that’s expected – Time. The more you breed the bigger your welfare check. I imagine you’re probably using a computer you stole.
And CRAP cutter – yes, we’re dealing with it. Us crackers have been hiding our cash and stockpiling ammo for awhile now. When the revolution comes – we’ll be ready:)
MontrellB
August 28th, 2009
12:50 pm
The whole state of Georgia is run by the whites, so Atlanta should have black people running the city. I’m tired of all the white georgia legislators trying to keep the black man down in this state. We need more representation in the city and state!
Time
August 28th, 2009
1:30 pm
UglyPuppy. Your comments show what you really ‘Don’t Know’, but why others should pay attention. Its people like you (white, self-rightous, ignorant piece of s&*t with a superiority complex) that breed people like me.
Bring it On !!
GOV MULE
August 28th, 2009
1:42 pm
Seems like I recall this all being started by Andy Young calling some people:
“Smart Ass White Boyz”
Chrissy
August 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
Amen, John Doe!
I wish we were all the same color. Then it would be easier to see that Mary Norwood has been deeply involved for years in really listening to Atlanta residents–all of them–and working to bring about the changes they want, public safety being at the top of the list. Lisa Borders is a great person, but she has been in and out of politics; most recently she left to care for her aging parents. She only reentered politics this spring. I wonder whether Ms. Borders’ heart is really in this race and whether she is as invested as Ms. Norwood in bringing about what is best for all of Atlanta.
luckydog
August 28th, 2009
1:50 pm
Will blacks riot if a white is elected Mayor of ATL?
Name One
August 28th, 2009
1:55 pm
Aaron Turpeau, the Black Leadership Forum, Jim Welcome, and Newsmakers Live will never ever have any credibility in this town. Hey fellas, this is an embarassment you’ll never recover from.
Sad Stuff
August 28th, 2009
2:01 pm
One group that received the e-mail analysis is Newsmakers Live, a predominantly African-American group that frequently invites local leaders to talk about major issues. “We thought it had merit from the standpoint that people should see it or hear it,” said Jim Welcome, Newsmakers Live’s publisher and executive director.
Welcome said Turpeau sent the analysis and believes it was “assembled by political scientists and activists,” but did not know whom. Turpeau declined to say who actually wrote the letter.
Let Mr. James Welcome, Publisher of Newsmakers Live, jwelcome@newsmakerslive.com, know how you feel about him trying to give this hateful memo credibility.
Chrissy
August 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
Hey, Atlanta_Tiger_Fan! Who you calling “you people?” I don’t like that tone.
neckofthewoods
August 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
what are all you Nwords gonna do when the white people finally get sick of your crap, take up arms against you and drive you into the sea. its gonna happen soon.
neckofthewoods
August 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
the whole city of atlanta is already surrounded by whites, they are gonna move in oneday and take it back! its gonna happen soon
Tired of BS
August 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
While the black candidates running for office won’t like the controversy stirred up by this flyer, we all must realize and admit that this is the mindset that just elected Barack Obama president. With only 11% of the population black, it must be stated that many whites voted based soley on party affiliation. When this happens we all lose. With that being said, I hope that we can see a mayor elected who will represent all of the people of Atlanta. It is not “a black city”. It does not belong to one group of people, but to all of us. Truly if it is to become only a “black city”, maybe we shoud consider taking our white money elsewhere.
Chrissy
August 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Shut up, neckofthewoods. If you weren’t so obviously a joke I’d ask the administrator to take down your nasty comments.
T Knight
August 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Please explain to me how this is not racist. I am shocked and saddened by this.
Dangerous
August 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Cut the CRAP thanks for the info. I’ll definitely vote white…errr Euro-American. But you know what, I’m voting because 25 years is long enough for mediocrity, waste and scandal!
Hurricane
August 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
As an African-American, I ask that everyone vote for the candidate that is the best candidate for the job, irregardless of race or political affiliation.
Atlanta_Ed
August 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
This memo shows that all the black politicians of Atlanta are racist and corrupt. Remember,the Bull Connor ads of Shirley Franklin and John Lewis in the Fulton County Commissioner’s race.
None stand on merit just the color of their skin. Just make the election honest all whites vote one way and all blacks vote one way. The most who votes wins. The real black and white.
JB
August 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
Just like it was time for America to elect a black President, it is now time for Atlanta to elect a white Mayor. Change is good for all of America.
Jane
August 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
ROTF! I went to that video…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnOyMSEWNTs
At the Red House…..that was funny! I expected it to camp up more, but it seemed an honest and humorous attempt to heal divisions AND SELL FURNITURE>
<LOL! We need more stuff like that!!!
FUNNY~~~
Jane ….and thank you ATLIEN for the laughter! I needed that.
Malcom X
August 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
You PATHETIC COWS… You sheep just keep being lead to the slaughter… Can’t you idiots recognize a conspiracy by the “blue-eyed devil”… how pathetic and SAD you ALL ARE… You always DO what you always DID, you always GET what you always GOT… the MAN has MANUFACTURED this memo and fed it to a SIMPLETON PIMP under the premise of BLACK UNITY… THE WHITE DEVIL has orchestrated this whole event, utilizing the tools they have placed in our midst to CONFUSE AND DISRUPT the UNITY of our BLACK NATION… STOP playing into their hands and UNIFY… ARM yourselves for the coming REVOLUTION!!! DOWN WITH THE MAN! POWER TO THE (BLACK)PEOPLE!!! OBAMA is a UNCLE TOM to his WHITE HANDLERS… Rahm Israel Emanuel…the REAL PUPPET MASTER… WAKE UP, EMBRACE YOUR MUSLIM BROTHERS!!! ALL WHITE MEN ARE JEWS!!!!
Shack
August 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
I am in Atlanta or Disgusta AKA “Augusta” Georgia? Same racist in fighting that keeps the city advancing to better place the quality of life and prosperity for all.
nonsense
August 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
How is it real change when Lisa Borders and Mary Norwood have been sitting there for eight years with no clue. Lisa Borders has not voted for anything and Mary Norwood doesn’t know or have anything to do with the budget–so how could she be fiscally responsible? It’s a joke.
lets b equal
August 28th, 2009
10:03 pm
how many whites have gotten a scolarship from the united negro college fund? how many white women have won the miss black america contest? we have the naacp. can whites have the naawp? it seems its ok for an organization to be all black, just cant be all white.
slavery has been over for almost 200 years, but i still hear people talking about it like its the reason they cant get what they want out of life. whites will never be forgiven for slavery as long as people can use it as an excuse for why they cant get ahead. education is free to everyone. if you choose to quit school that is your fault, not whitey’s.
i am the race that is being discriminated on by every minority in the country. i am a white male
if i would have written this letter, i would be called the grand dragon of the kkk
Dharr
August 29th, 2009
2:00 am
Sounds like the same problems we have in Memphis. There’s an almost unwritten policy here, “Whites need not apply.” Funny thing is, when I look around at all my “white flight” neighbors here in the suburbs, they are men and women of color who left for the same reasons. Crime, corruption, high taxes…..
Jim Whitaker
August 29th, 2009
2:57 am
Look people, there IS racism in America, in North America, in the world. It is called preference.
If I were Asian, I would prefer an Asian mayor,etc..That is not exclusive to blacks and whites. We are but two of many many races to strive for a prosperous existence in the face of a plethora of adverse conditions. Each race faces it’s own struggles There is no gauge to indicate who is more deserving, but that of character.. History provides many examples of one race wielding power over another simply to benefit “their people”. It is our nature.As shallow as that is(especially when you consider that often times different races are found to be more than suitable organ transplant donors for one another than even relatives are, (look it up)).The concept of preference for those who look like you is not unique to this time nor place. It is as ingrained in us as it was in Issac and Ishmael. Almost every street corner, every church, every grocery store,every bar,every neighborhood is a testament to this. It is not wrong to simply prefer someone of your “kind” to be in power, but it is wrong when we use race as the ultimate factor in deciding what is right for the whole of society.That can never be race based. One race can never be the end all be all for the others. We must share the power and abiltiy to shape the future. It does not belong to any nation, tribe or tongue alone. If ever it did come to that then we would surely fall. Simply being in charge is not enough. There must be inclusion of all, at all cost. This day and age will not tolerate such single-mindedness because we are all fully aware of our own prejudice. I mean preference.
Mack Lyons
August 29th, 2009
4:06 am
I think everyone’s been had here.
If someone wanted to single-handedly sink the opposition’s chances of winning and inadvertently rally people into supporting the preferred candidate, then this would be a way of doing so. And it worked. I wonder how much Aaron Turpeau got paid to manufacture that memo…
Someone is pulling Atlanta voters around by the nosehairs, using the various assortment of political pimps and pushers to corral voters into a preferred outcome. Meanwhile, the upper-class and middle-class blacks continue to distance themselves from any perceived or actual negative actions on part of their lower-class brethren. Those same lower-class blacks may just decide to piss in the electoral punch bowl by voting Black™. Doesn’t matter who, or what they stand for, just as long as they “look just like me”.
Funny thing is, there are a lot of whites who secretly wish they could say out loud that they prefer to be among their own people…..
Concerned for ATL
August 29th, 2009
10:19 am
I am a white female attorney. I reside in Midtown Atlanta. I believe Kasim Reed is the best choice for our city.
BlackOnly
August 29th, 2009
12:08 pm
Atlanta is a chocolate city–and needs a black mayor to serve the interests of the african american community.
Amazed
August 29th, 2009
12:47 pm
Though this memo is totally deplorable, it seems to me that there are just as many whites that want to support Norwood solely based on race as blacks that want a black mayor for the same reason. As someone that knows a lot about Atlanta politics, let me assure you all that Mary Norwood is not a leader. She’s a panderer that has done a great job of being present. Her presence hasn’t done much to change the city, because she came in with the class of 2001 running for mayor. She’s ambitious, but not she’s not a leader. She’s a talker, but not a thinker. Yes, I’m African American but I supported Margaret Kaiser over Doug Dean; Jim Martin over Vernon Jones and a host of other non-black candidates
For the likes of a more qualified white candidate. I am supporting Kasim Reed because he, unlike his opponents, has a solid record of service to Atlanta and Georgia. I’m sorry Atlanta, Norwood’s just not the “Great White Hope”! Someone said earlier that blacks supported Obama just because he was black. Well this black person didn’t.
Check Norwood’s record against Reed’s and tell me who’s the most qualified. Reed is the only person that can get Atl a listening ear in the statehouse. Check the facts people. Yes, he managed Shirley’s campaign and she was greatly qualified too. Ciy’s are having rough allover America, Chicago, New York and LA included all headed by non-black MEN! Yes, Reed helped select Pennington as Chief who at the time was winning awards all over the country for his police work. Put the race crap down and really look at the records. You’ll learn something. And please all non-Atlantans stay out of this conversation. You’re uninformed and ignorant to what’s going on in this city. Atlanta is a lot greater than WSB news presents it!
TJ
August 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Aight this is 2009, hallooooooo!!!!!!!! smell the coffee.
Sven
August 29th, 2009
4:20 pm
I appreciate all the black folks saying that race should not/is not an issue to them. That shows true character.
But let’s be honest…. blacks, latinos etc. will vote for “one of their own”. Yes, the majority of whites did vote for Mccain, but that was just by a small margin. It was 52/46 I believe. 98% of the blacks voted for Obama and so would have hispanics etc. if it was a hispanic candidate. Whites do not do it by such a huge margin.
We are not one America, sadly.
Amazed
August 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
UNCF actually gives scholarships to non-black kids. The scholarships are attached to the universities and not the race of the recipients. White women can enter the Miss Black America pageant. Hell, Morehouse College had a white valedictorian last year!! White people, please stop acting like because Obama’s president that all of sudden racism and prejudice doesn’t exist among whites. Blacks are prejudiced, whites are prejudiced etc. Let’s grow past this immature bull!
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The Man
August 29th, 2009
11:24 pm
no way a white mayor ever wins again in the city of atlanta. blacks vote for any black candidate, regardless of qualifications. It’s a black thing–you wouldn’t understand. A backward city, stays backward, with a full deck of race cards.
Pinecone
August 30th, 2009
12:37 am
How enjoyable it is to watch the shoe on the other foot. As Atlanta continues the spiral downward into Third World status, it is gratifying to watch the specter of racism from the “African-American” community. Just goes to show you that underneath the skin, people really are just the same.
A backlash is coming people, and you would do well to prepare for it.
LutherVan
August 30th, 2009
10:23 am
The white people in Atlanta kept the african-americans down too long. Now that power has shifted, the whites don’t like it. Too bad! We need a black mayor.
Atlanta_Ed
August 30th, 2009
12:19 pm
Black Power First Detroit next Atlanta!!!
Ric Spratlin
August 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
No surprise since 95% of a the black population voted for B.O. this past election. What else do we need to realize which race is really the racists!