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
Steve-o
August 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
@Harriet…..”I don’t vote for a non-qualified white person or anyone not qualified!) so why not help our own”. One of our own???? Disgusting and racist. Another example of what’s wrong with our city inside the perimeter.
For What it is Worth
August 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Not much to say that has not already been said. It is pathetic though that here we are, almost 150 years since slavery was abolished, that either race feels compelled to vote for someone or against someone just because of the color of his/her skin. It is because of trash like this memo that cause some people to never let down their defenses and be colorblind. It is unfortunate proof that hate, racism,and bigotry run BOTH ways.
RBraswell
August 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
I think a black mayor, city council, chief of police and all other posts the voters fill by choice is just fine. As a black community, Alanta (metro) has been fashioned well by the communy’s choice. I would say that a reflection of Atlanta (metro) can be seen in the value of the real estate and the and the crime rate, which are inversly proportional. Yes sir, Atlanta is right at the top.
john Pride
August 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
The paranoia among blacks in Atlanta is understandable, especially given that Universal Healthcare is currently being defeated by a pack of old, white male rabid dogs (deteriorating brains, vicious attacks and they don’t quite know why or what they’re attacking ). However, this document is blatantly racist and is nothing more than the black KKK, without (yet) the lynchings. Atlantans should receive more respect than a letter of this sort, which assumes that its readers are mindless idiots (hello, townhall protesters!!) who can be led on a whim by any megalomaniacal ambitious exploiter (hello Republicans!!). Do we (Democrats) really want to be just like them, the Republican rabid dogs?
john wood
August 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
Atlanta has become a second tier city . Crime is rampant ,downtown is not a draw for people , Atlantic station is a magnet for hoodlums and criminals and Atlanta Government is a sham. It is time for a change but change knows no color. This is a racist and divisive memo .What if one had been written urging all white voters to get behind a white candidate ? Charges of racism would be front page in the AJC . Why is no one saying that now ?
Dan
August 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
This memo insults the African- American Atlanta community. There is not a collective mindset in this demographic group. I certainly hope not, anyway. Demographics have changed in Atlanta in the past decade. Atlanta was 66% African-American. Now that figure is down to 55%. Please vote for the person – not the color of one’s skin. That’s what we were told in 1973 when Maynard Jackson won. So, what’s changed?
Kerry Barton
August 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Atlanta is a bed of racism and whether you like it or not there is a serious race relation problem. The blogs are just absolutely insane as a discussion regards to our weather erupts outright racial hatred. It’s a few people who incites this chaos and the rest of us fall into play. I am not an APE nor are members of my family animals this foolishness just pushes people over the edge and the white/black agenda begins. I was raised in a family not to judge people by race and not all white people were bad or racist. It’s OK for people to be comfortable with people who look them as well a room filled with men discussing football or women discussing child birth. There are employers within this city who have no minorities on staff. The truth needs to be told most blacks have not benefited from affirmative action and guess what life goes on. I don’t live in metro Atlanta and to be honest I prefer a man for Mayor just my preference. I could care less about color just be honest which is hard to find in a politician. The crime is out of control and parents should start being there kids role models. We have a nation of people who find every actor, actress, entertainer, rapper, pro-athlete, reality TV nut as a role model. We need to get over race black and white as both are disappointing to be honest we need an ASIAN. The most peaceful group of people you ever encounter. We don’t see there faces plastered across the news daily for murder, child molestation or kidnap, rape, embezzlement, adultery, etc. VOTE FOR THE BEST CANDIDATE AND DO SOME RESEARCH!!!!
joy
August 30th, 2009
5:57 pm
Thank you, Mr. Turpeau. I have now decided who will get my vote.
Taylor Wooden
August 30th, 2009
5:57 pm
As screwed up Atlanta and Clayton and DeKalb and Fulton are these days, you might want to try a different approach.
Just sayin.
JD
August 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
96% of Blacks voted for Obama in 2008 and look where that brought us – the brink of a total financial collapse.
Blacks work much harder than Caucasians at maintaining the rift between the races. As another poster wrote, “follow the money”.
DRdagreen
August 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
These ” old timers” are being ignored by everyone. They will do anything to grab the spotlight. The city understands that racism is still alive, but the country is trying to move forward. To create a memo like this actually hurts Lisa Borders, now K. Reed is demanding that Borders comment. He is using the moment to grab the spotlight…because he has very low support. Who cares what he thinks. This city is in a WIN WIN situation now. Borders and Norwood are exactly what we need, we win with either one. But please keep ALL of the others away! Kasim Reed……………………please.
Dixie Darling
August 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
As a person who has mixed blood, I would like to be described as an AMERICAN. Who cares if I have black or tan or white or mottled skin color? Let Atlanta rise from the ashes of discrimination and let the citizens vote on the person who will take this city to once again become the center of the South. Be proud and be right to vote for the best person to lead this city back into the light of respectability and safe living for all citizens no matter what part of the city they live in. Stop and think — what would Jesus say and do?
Gene
August 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
What???? NO COMMENT, AL, JESSIE, I thought you all hated racism!!!
Lucas ATL
August 30th, 2009
9:31 pm
Turpeau peddled access to power in the name of minority businesses for years. He has been losing access and will lose it completely with a well qualified Mayor, be it Reed or Norwood, who will award contracts based on qualification.
For him, this is a business decision, not political.
Gator Actual
August 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
What? All you crackers afraid another ‘bro is going to win?
Liberalism Is Racism
August 31st, 2009
11:57 am
Anyone else notice that CNN has ignored this story entirely? Shocker! Of course had a white person written that letter it would’ve been their featured story of the week.
Clark Atlanta profs claim ownership of 'black mayor' memo | Political Insider
August 31st, 2009
5:21 pm
[...] Boone and Jennings was just published by the Newsmaker Journal, the same outfit that distributed the original memo advocating that African-Americans line up behind Lisa Borders to block the election of a white candidate, Mary [...]
Ned Davenport
August 31st, 2009
9:31 pm
Hooray for Maynard, kudos to Andrew, shame on Bill, and it saddens me that Shirley’s last few months in office will totally overshadow her good years as the first black female mayor of my beloved Atlanta. However, scrolling through and reading these comments (poor Jen bless her heart) has forced me to write one as well…of the candidates who are in the race for mayor, only and i mean ONLY Mary Norwood’s staff/office has called my home, asked what traffic improvements I thought was needed in the Cascade/SW Atlanta area where i reside. That in and of itself gives pause to the issue of race, at least for me. I received countless calls from Norwood’s campaign and ONLY hers. Maybe it’s a matter of money, maybe it’s matter of organization…whatever the matter this black man appreciates the EFFORT. I cannot and will not any longer vote for someone just because of political party or race. Mary is on her game folks!! Atlanta’s first white female mayor is about to be elected and I, for one, welcome the change!!!!! Make US proud Mary!!
What Pundits Are Saying » Blog Archive » Group says Mary Norwood a threat to African-Americans.
September 1st, 2009
6:25 am
[...] Political Insider has more. [...]
Lackdaddy
September 1st, 2009
1:45 pm
I finally had an opportunity to read the original memo. It is truly the most ignorant, babbling and racist B.S. I have read in recent times.
Jerry Myer
September 1st, 2009
2:46 pm
With not just one but two Professors at Clark Atlanta University spouting the deepest racist remarks I have heard in years – Every Corporation – Every Business – and Every Individual must now examine their Contributions to Clark Atlanta while these two “Racist” are employed there.
Jerry Myer
September 1st, 2009
2:55 pm
I’m right there with you Gene – Where are Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson ! Shall they not step forward to shame these actions – They lose all Creditability ! Should they not !
Nation of Cowards » Blog Archive » Welcome To Your ‘Post-Racial’ Future…
September 1st, 2009
4:21 pm
[...] string for racial supremacy? This memo was circulated by Black Leadership Forum, enjoy the crispy, delicious ‘post-racialness’… [...]
Torrents
September 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
As a white voter, I say too bad this had to come out and make Lisa Borders look like she is part of this in any way. She is the most qualified candidate, understands the issues, and has a life story that needs to be heard. She truly has risen above race in her life.
Mary is flame thrower and while that would be exciting, she doesn’t have a grasp on the issues beyond sound bites. I’ve known her way too long. Plus she was too big of a Campbell supporter and spent her entire council budget on her campaign over the last 6 years (where is the investigation of that?).
I now would like to have the media do the rest of their job and interview the recipients of this memo, just as they would if the shoe were on the other foot.
FUNGAZI.COM » Blog Archive » A Censored But Amazingly Significant Indicator of Current American Racism
September 3rd, 2009
6:49 pm
[...] The memo that’s about to shake the Atlanta mayor’s race [...]
builder.b
September 8th, 2009
10:02 am
Sadly, scenes of a black controlled government in ” Birth of a Nation” seem to coming true. Luckily, there will be no KKK riding to the rescue.
Gilbert Wainwright
September 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
I am so happy that we can come here and be heard and exchange ideas. our future is able to be a better one if we allow our past to be the past it is, save the sugar and safe the decorations.admit our mistakes and move foward a new. Gil Wainwright http://www.unitedwestcoast.com
God bless this freedom and God bless this nation and everyone of us in it.Dear, Supporters
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and look into what is cooking. First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Gilbert Wainwright; I am a person dedicated to self-improvement and self-realizations. I believe that every young person out there has a good side that potentially can be cared for enough to create a very positive life out of a negative one and that young people have the potential to change their destinies. I did it myself. The battle that youth are in every day is not just the lack of opportunities and basic needs, though those are serious challenges. The battles that the youth are in which can transform the ground that the fight takes place on is self realization knowing who they are and the potential they can direct the outcome of anything in their own life. I have always maintained that the situation changes when the direction changes. Over many years of my life I have experienced the lows of ghetto life and survival, and the struggle of near death experience. Ever challenge in my life turned out to be a lesson. This idea that young people need guidance is no new idea. The idea that the people who made it out of the ghettos should turn around and give back is not a new idea either. I don’t think that our definition of a ghetto is the same as others around the world, I have seen young men in our ghettos walk around with a couple of thousand dollars in the pocket. Or a gold and diamond watch, the meaning of a ghetto is not the issue anyway, what the issue is for me is community improvement practices, resource development that self generates prosperity. The amazing piece in this letter today is that when genius is present and ideas are overlooked and values are preconditioned so that young people are missing their own potentials then we all limit what is possible to repeating the same old repeat of feeding the failures of yesterday while we hope to build success for tomorrow, it is insane. Self-righteous people are holding new ideas prisoners and goal tending against encouraging self-development. I am amazed whenever I look back at my success because for me to live this long and get to where I am of mind and in life amazes me. I decided to go back to talk to youth because I can see that I am one of those people who have an amazing intellect and strength of courage that is capable of reaching youth that need to be help up above where they are in mind in spirit and in reality. We can not help kids without giving them the tools they need, but we also need to give them the materials to build with and a blue print of what we want the to create. Our leadership has done well over the years and they deserve great respect and credit for all of their hard work in civil rights and education advances and every other human advancement including the blood transfusion,back before we knew that could be done, or the benefits of it , but the days of repeating past successes are wearing thin for 2009 and beating a dead horse is akin to pointing to the same old logic to encourage a new direction for our youth. I think that we need to unleash the newness that some of the ideas possess initiated from my visions of what our youth can achieve, in this time of our country suffering labor pains of change there is about to be a manifestation of a new greatness in America, and it will be new and beautiful. I truly pray that at some point in my begging and pleading with these words that someone with the capabilities to join me will get the ability to act and join me in a conversation to help our youth reach beyond this challenge of today. On every level in every way. Sincerely: Gilbert Wainwright Founder C.E.O United Coast-To-Coast One Love Movement 2009. Thank You. May you see yourself in the next person you see success.
TXatheist
September 16th, 2009
10:01 am
As a white male I’m glad to see blacks disagreeing with this nonsense. I voted for the best Presidential candidate based on his platform, not color.
Randolph
September 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
The City of Atlanta is in dire need of a qualified candidate. I assume some in the black leadership could care less about qualifications and are more interested in race. While the black community demands progress in race relations, maybe they should look themselves in the mirror. http://www.cmrji.com
Disgusted Reader
November 4th, 2009
7:54 am
I don’t understand why people get so ill over a white mayor. We have a black president for goodness sake. I think it’s about time to clean up the city anyway and make history, just like the blacks did to us.