Joseph Lowery in radio ads: ‘Don’t let them resegregate our schools’
Opponents of Tuesday’s charter school ballot question this afternoon unveiled a series of four racially provocative, 60-second radio spots aimed at African-American audiences across the state.
Three of the radio ads include this plea from the 91-year-old Rev. Joseph Lowery, the legendary civil rights figure: “Don’t let them resegregate our schools.”
In case that message didn’t penetrate, the opposition group — Vote Smart! No to State-Controlled Schools — labeled one of the spots “Plessy” and another “Ferguson.” Plessy v. Ferguson was the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized segregated public facilities in the South and ushered in the Jim Crow era.
It’s important to note that the charter school measure, which would reaffirm state authority to create charter schools over the objections of local systems, has significant support among African-Americans, according to polls – who figure heavily in pro-Amendment One advertising.
Listen to “Plessy” here:
The script:
Female narrator: “Nothing is more important than our schools. The power to control our local schools is one of our most precious rights. The courts have protected that right. But now, politicians and out-of-state money are trying to resegregate our schools. Amendment One would change the constitution.
“Unless we vote no, politicians in Atlanta will create a dual school system and take away our community’s right to control our local schools. Don’t let a small group of politicians in Atlanta resegregate our schools. Vote no on Amendment One. And keep control of our schools in our hands.”
Lowery: ”My beloved, I am the Rev. Joseph Lowery. Don’t let them resegregate our schools. I’m voting no on Amendment One. Thank you for listening.”
Former state labor commissioner and U.S. Senate candidate Michael Thurmond is featured in one of the four spots. He avoids the word “resegregate” but urges voters not to “let a small group of politicians turn back the clock.”
Families for Better Public Schools, the lead organization in support of the proposed constitutional amendment, already had a 10 a.m. Thursday press conference scheduled at the state Capitol, featuring African-American pastors in support of the measure.
Look for the radio ads to be a major topic.
Updated at 8:03 a.m. Thursday: State Rep. Rahn Mayo, D-Decatur, an Amendment One supporter who will be at the above event, sent this reaction last night:
“The time has come for us to move beyond the comparisons of education reform efforts to brutally painful and overtly inhumane periods in our nation’s history. Unfortunately, we are faced with the difficult task of addressing a crisis in our public school system, and it is understandable that this necessary change is met with great resistance. However, countless African-American children have been denied access to quality education over the past four decades, and this issue must be addressed in a variety of ways.
“Injecting harsh racial associations into the debate about the Charter Schools Amendment is counterproductive to a meaningful dialogue about how we evolve and provide our children with better access to quality educational options in Georgia.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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184 comments Add your comment
rlm
October 31st, 2012
11:56 pm
resegregation? How about racism as practiced by Atlanta Public Schools in North Atlanta. White children are discriminated against in this school. Look what electing racists has done for Clayton Co schools. They are chasing white people out of the county. Most blacks want to be fair. They have to stop electing racists.
Rev Al
November 1st, 2012
12:07 am
If Lowery says vote no, then I’ll do the opposite…
Big Hat
November 1st, 2012
12:10 am
Atlanta Public Schools: Rated “X” by an all-white jury.
Informed
November 1st, 2012
12:16 am
I will be voting No on the charter school amendment.
FairLady
November 1st, 2012
12:25 am
I’m sick of our children being trapped in failing schools based upon our zip codes. My children deserve better. Ga is always 47th or 48th in the nation in education.
This is NOT a race or issue!! All of GA children can benefit from more school options
The opposition is using scare tactics like this because they fear competition and decrease of power!!
Please vote YES to Amendment One. If GOV Deal and a non partisan 2/3 of the GA House and Senate thought this was good for the parents and children of GA, then I will VOTE YES.
Parents are the BEST local control.
S
November 1st, 2012
12:32 am
It’s a no vote for me. Anytime some politician wants to change the Constitution then you should question why. Since we’ve had Republicans controlling everything in this state for the last 12 years our state has progressively gone down hill and that includes the schools. Republicans have taken more and more money from our public schools and that is wrong. You have to question why our Governor would want to change the constitution when Charter Schools are already allowed. This to me sounds like a sneaky way to bring businesses into the state and use taxpayers money to do it under the guise of helping our children. It’s just creating another layer Government for, FOR PROFIT Schools. From what I’ve read most charters are not far superior to good public schools they are just the equivalent and most still depend on the children who attend and the parent participation. So why vote for something we already have? I just have to say this amendment just has a stink about it, that’s why I’ve already voted NO.
FairLady
November 1st, 2012
12:49 am
Please Vote YES! Charter Schools are just one tool in the tool chest to help rebuild GA’s failing educational system. I was appalled when relocating to the Atlanta area to find out how poorly many of the public schools were performing. I’d never seen such problems: cheating scandals, board fights , and accreditation issues. Why would any industry want to locate here?
This will eventually become an economic issue. As a new Voting Georgian, I want better for my children and my new home state. Let’s move forward, change is sometimes needed even if painful.
Please VOTE YES!!
PHD Lady
November 1st, 2012
12:51 am
Please vote as you see fit based on the issue and how it will impact your family overall. As an African American, I can tell you that we are not all the same and surely do not think alike. Stop using blogs such as this as a method to introduce more hatred into the world.
My husband and I do not have kids; however, I voted no simply because I do not think that another layer of government is going to solve the problem. Please stop using the term “good blacks” because the term lacks a true meaning.
Again, until we can respect each and create positive dialogue about the issues-
they will never be resolved.
Bum Bot Says
November 1st, 2012
1:19 am
How many Charter School Teachers were involved in “The Great Atlanta Cheating Scandal”? Oh, that’s right they were all “Public School Teachers and School Board Members.
Please vote Yes for Charter Schools, our children need an education not mind-numbing.
Just Me
November 1st, 2012
1:32 am
Many of us are voting ‘Yes”, because we want affordable choices…we who truly care about the education of our chldren are sick of the continual lowering of expectations of public schools to meet the needs of those on the bottom. We are sick of the dumbing down, and don’t want any part of it. You can put any labels on the problem students that you want…the demographics are there for anyone to see, if they so choose. Education should not be a white or black thing…but those of you who make excuses, and blame everyone except the system that encourages these failing parents, choose to make it a racial divide. Black children are failing in higher numbers than any other. They are the majority of the discipline problems, and they don’t want the education that is available to them. They don’t want to learn good English, they don’t want to strive, and achieve, and those that do, and there are many more of these children than you think, are belittled and taunted for acting white. If you don’t think our white education is what you want, then you are going to segregate yourselves anyway. Mine are going to get the best education that I can give them. They don’t see the issues as black or white…but they sure know who is causing the trouble in their schools. So you can take your over bloated systems and hang out with the Glen Singletons, and the Lowery bunch…y’all educate yours any way you want. And if that is racist, then you got what you asked for. You can’t have it both ways. Either join the decent folks of the human race, or continue to make excuses, and whine because we don’t agree with you.
Just Me
November 1st, 2012
1:32 am
Many of us are voting ‘Yes”, because we want affordable choices…we who truly care about the education of our chldren are sick of the continual lowering of expectations of public schools to meet the needs of those on the bottom. We are sick of the dumbing down, and don’t want any part of it. You can put any labels on the problem students that you want…the demographics are there for anyone to see, if they so choose. Education should not be a white or black thing…but those of you who make excuses, and blame everyone except the system that encourages these failing parents, choose to make it a racial divide. Black children are failing in higher numbers than any other. They are the majority of the discipline problems, and they don’t want the education that is available to them. They don’t want to learn good English, they don’t want to strive, and achieve, and those that do, and there are many more of these children than you think, are belittled and taunted for acting white. If you don’t think our white education is what you want, then you are going to segregate yourselves anyway. Mine are going to get the best education that I can give them. They don’t see the issues as black or white…but they sure know who is causing the trouble in their schools. So you can take your over bloated systems and hang out with the Glen Singletons, and the Lowery bunch…y’all educate yours any way you want. And if that is racist, then you got what you asked for. You can’t have it both ways. Either join the decent folks of the human race, or continue to make excuses, and whine because we don’t agree with you.
double
November 1st, 2012
1:35 am
Better chicken little,than chicken litter.
double
November 1st, 2012
1:37 am
Old folks repeat alot.
rweldonw
November 1st, 2012
1:59 am
It appears that now a truth is beginning to surface. During the “Plessy v. Ferguson” years, Black people had no poltical input or control. That, of course, changed with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since the 1970’s Blacks have controlled both Atlanta City Hall and the Atlanta Board of Education. Plessy v. Ferguson should have worked just fine if Blacks had that type of control during the Plessy era. In any event, the current state of APS has come about during a time when Black people have been in control. Some of the fruits of the Civil Rights movement have been laudible, but the APS is not one of them. Question – would these old farts who oppose Charter Schools send their own children to APS?
David
November 1st, 2012
4:54 am
Wow, what a crazy thing to spout. My child started attending a charter school a few months ago and there is a very large racial mix that I love. I’m just guessing, but there is probably 30-40% black students at this charter. I’m voting yes, but I do see reasons people might want to vote no… segregation is NOT one of the reasons to vote no, though. Amazing.
Redcoat
November 1st, 2012
6:29 am
If Obama and Dems can send tax payer money to “Green” for profit power companies( no prove of success) to waste, what is wrong with for-profit charter schools (proving success regardless of race) receiving tax payer funds? Vote Yes if you want real change and success for all children of Georgia. End the demise of education.
OldGrunt
November 1st, 2012
6:30 am
Rev Lowery has been a strong leader in the African American community for over three generations, but enhancing public schools for Blacks has not been one of his forte`s. A growing number of African American families want more for their kids than systems like APS, Clayton and DeKalb Counties offer. Hardly a day goes by without seeing or reading about cheating, fraud, corruption, and abuse in these systems — NOT TO MENTION — low test scores, high drop out rates, and loss of accreditation!
Where was Rev Lowery’s voice during the APS and Clayton County debacles? What good is Rev Lowery’s form of segregation if it is only for racial mingling? How about learning? We have had desegregation in our schools for over three generations. What has it given us? At least Charter schools provide an equalization with a promise of a better education for our kids!
Robert
November 1st, 2012
6:40 am
People should note that there are no additional taxes raised for these schools.
People should note that charter schools are required to accept any who apply up to their capacity.
People should note that as charter school children succeed, there will be greater demand, more charter schools, more success – fewer children in the failing traditional public school, public school closings, fewer government employees, smaller government, drop in taxes.
The downside for traditional public – they will have to fix their problems or go the way of the doodoo bird.
I see this as a Win-Win for everyone.
Childless property taxpayers should vote yes for this for their pocketbooks,
Parents should vote yes for their children’s brightened future.
Juan
November 1st, 2012
6:49 am
He also believes all whites are going to hell.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-reverend-who-gave-benediction-at-obamas-inauguration-says-he-thinks-all-whites-are-going-to-hell/
Double Zero Eight
November 1st, 2012
6:55 am
Why give the state more control over anything
dealing with education? Georgia ranks 48 out
of the 50 states. Enough said!
ashleym
November 1st, 2012
7:03 am
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Rick
November 1st, 2012
7:14 am
Alot of folks who are voting yes are doing so because of the title of the amendment. Please read it! We already have charter schools. All your county has to do is apply to have one. If it is approved by the local and state board, you can have one. This amendment give a “commission” the right to override your local BOE. This “commission” is appointed by the Governor. Do you want the Governor, or more likely, someone who gave a large contribution to his campaign, the power to run your schools? If you vote yes, that is what you are doing. If you don’t believe me, ask this question, “why is the Governor and the legislators so antsy to open charter schools?” Maybe it’s because some of these out of state charter school companies have pumped their campaigns with cash.
Edmund Ruffin
November 1st, 2012
7:17 am
I voted against it for other reasons, but Lowry’s comments are interesting. If I thought it would resegregate the schools I would probably be for it.
HootyGoot
November 1st, 2012
7:22 am
The more you stir it the worse it stinks !
GB
November 1st, 2012
7:25 am
Please understand that you’re not voting for or against charter schools. Charter schools will exist either way. What you’re doing is voting whether local school boards or a state-level committee will have oversight and authority over them. Personally, I feel that the people in the community where the schools exist are the best ones to make decisions for the community. So I say vote NO, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the ads.
guy
November 1st, 2012
7:31 am
We need schools for good students and one for animals and morons,all races included.There are still students who want to go to school to learn! That’s the way this nation is heading with all things it seems.
freddie
November 1st, 2012
7:31 am
these folks know that if the halfway competent folks go to a charter school than whats left in the aps will not have a prayer of passing any form of test, doctored or not!
annette Bush
November 1st, 2012
7:36 am
I only read first page of comments and it sadden me how they disrespect their elders regardless if u disagree with what he says. You do you and don’t worry about others. Racists some comments are. Its ashame. Black people your comments to another black person to me were offense. Black white purple or brown we are all Gods children. This charter school may work for some in some cities or states but the city and state I’m in it want work. The white people here as I’ve heard pull their children out of one private school and put them and another because of tuition for them went up. And they are the ones pushing for this charter school so they don’t have to pay. Let the state pay for it as they say. There were times our black kids couldn’t go to a private school but that changed. Now tuition is high everyone wants a change. Yes our blacks is just as better as the next but we as grown ups got to stop I say again stop with the hatred. That’s where our kids of any color picks up the things they do. And President Obama is a great man and he has done a lot for all people and color. You that don’t like him because of his skin color get over it and move forward because their is nothing you can do about it.
Shaw Staff
November 1st, 2012
7:39 am
I don’t support the amendment because it grows government, and the race card won’t help the cause.
Carl
November 1st, 2012
7:41 am
With lowery against that is reason to vote for it. He is nothing but a tired old racist who’s time is finally at an end.
Morning Reads for Thursday, November 1 — Peach Pundit
November 1st, 2012
7:41 am
[...] word “resegregate” is now on Georgia airways because of this [...]
Them
November 1st, 2012
7:51 am
Hey Reverend and all you other Black Racist, “THEM” here……… Kiss our White A**ES…..
Dana Kinser
November 1st, 2012
7:52 am
Reverend Lowery preaches not to let the State re-segregate the schools, yet across this nation; blacks segregate themselves by creating densely populated areas so as to achieve representation on School Boards, City Councils, and County Commission’s. Look to Fayette County where they are now trying to force the county’s election methods to be changed so that they will have 1 district represented by a black commissioner and a black school board member. So, who is re-segregating whom?
Crazygirl
November 1st, 2012
8:07 am
Georgia is and has been for a long time on the bottom of the national scale. I am for trying something new, because this old way isn’t and hasn’t been working.( ie DeKalb, Clayton, APS… )Some kids want to learn, and others don’t. Plain and simple. I am so sick of the race card being played ALL THE TIME. I should go find mine, dust it off, and learn how to use it. Problem is, I just don’t see myself as a victim when it is easier to see another’s ignorance. Hell, maybe they should segregate the schools.I know from my high schools days in Clayton Co. 10 years ago that the worry that I was going to run into the crack dealer in the bathroom was greater than my worry for how I was going to do on my next test.
bill
November 1st, 2012
8:09 am
the problem in Atlanta is that noone seems interested in the fact that the public system does not prepare students to do anything but whine about being mistreated. Oh well everyone has to do something.
Chuck Allison
November 1st, 2012
8:11 am
Everyone can dream, can’t they?
C.A.
November 1st, 2012
8:22 am
I am not against charter schools. I am against state-chartered schools. Local school boards should have some oversight in the administration of the schools if for no other reason than funding (MONEY)!!
While resegregation may not be the best term to describe what happens, it’s very close. When a system is allowed to require applications from those who will enter their doors and that same system can deny entrance, something is wrong. “Public” schools must take all, regardless of mental and/or physical abilities. We must serve all. When money decides what programs are instituted in schools, why should that fact be ignored? State-chartered schools ought to satisfy the same guidelines as “public” schools. There has to be some relationship between local school boards and state-chartered schools when we’re pulling from the same pool of students.
Any educator knows that if you are allowed to pull the “best and brightest” (no matter the race) from a heterogeneous pool, then segregation is what remains. Budgets will be impacted, and services will too.
Roadrunner
November 1st, 2012
8:22 am
Do we really need the state to impose its authority on local scbool districts? NO!! Read the bill before voting yes, local governments will lose their say on how their own schools are run. I voted NO.
Whisky Breath
November 1st, 2012
8:29 am
Oh my…..where to begin?
1. Sick of the race-baiting. This isn’t 1955 anymore, and I have the feeling that folks would get along way better if there weren’t these old-time pot-stirrers that see a hate-group behind every tree and just keep on stirring the pot. I grew up in the 80s, went to regular schools, and I never did see anything resembling a hate group in my school. I think the only hate-mongering that occurs now are from the Jesse Jacksons of the world.
2. Sick of politicians using scare tactics to drum up votes. Obama is cutting 700 billion from the Medicare/Medicaid program to fund Obama-care, but he STILL puts out ads targeting Senior Citizens saying that Romney is planning on doing away with Medicare/Medicaid. Looks like Obama is going to do a lot of damage to those 2 programs himself.
3. Doesn’t really matter to me, as I am already voting NO on this ammendment. Just doesn’t look good to me.
4. I am neither ultra liberal nor ultra conservative. I am a moderate. I try to get along with everybody, and I have friends of all races. The Good Lord said we should love all people. Salvation is for all, regardless of race. I see NOTHING in the Bible to condone racisim, no matter what those sheet-wearing ignorant inbred Honey-Boo Boo types would like folks to believe.
bookman parrot
November 1st, 2012
8:36 am
you are right “rev” lowery, don’t allow “them” to segregate by effort, behaviour,and skills; but continue to play the “card” where it totally is not true
cc
November 1st, 2012
8:41 am
Jim Galloway:
Kyle Wingfield has to appear just slightly “green with envy” today. Kyle supports Amendment 1 as I do, and has written several times on this topic. In this column, you have succeeded in moving more “undecided” to a “Yes” vote, and have changed at least some “No” votes to “Yes” votes! I dare to say that you have been more successful than Kyle in advocating for the approval of Amendment 1!
Was this your intent, you sly old dog?
ASanePerson
November 1st, 2012
8:55 am
If the public schools are so dangerous what will happen if these charter schools are created? Believe it or not until the alleged problems are resolved in public schools they will eventually spill into charter schools. So in a few years charter schools will be just as dangerous as public schools. The state should not be allowed to control local anything. If you check the facts, school taxes are the largest percentage of your property tax bill. If the charter school amendment passes, much of that money will come under the control of the state. That includes monies for building new schools, purchases, supplies and all of the things one needs to operate a school.
This amendment appears to be no more than a disguise for getting more money into the hands of politicians who have an agenda that does not benefit the people.
jezel
November 1st, 2012
8:57 am
There are idiots on local school boards and there are plenty of idiots on the state level. Changing who has control does not eliminate any problems.
Would be interested in how the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on this amendment if passed. Most certainly it would be challenged and wind up there. Does anyone have insight into this question?
Charter Supporter
November 1st, 2012
8:57 am
Reverend Lowery is obviously misinformed. This issue is simple – what we have now is not working – we need change. Charters provide that change. Again, it’s simple – if you’re happy with the horrible state of public education – and the nationwide perception it gives our state, vote No. If you want change, if you want more value for your tax dollars, if you’re tired of the “we need more money to give you the same results” rhetoric – vote for something that can help to rectify the situation. I voted YES – and I urge you to as well.
ad
November 1st, 2012
8:57 am
The main color involved in this amendment is not black or white – it’s dollar bill green. Look at the for-profit education companies which have contributed to getting it passed and look at the politicians supporting it. It’s just another way to siphon off tax dollars using buzz words like “our children’s future” or “race” or whatever takes the public’s attention away from having another hand in its pocket.
ROTFLMFAO
November 1st, 2012
8:58 am
I have already voted – and I voted YES
Tommy
November 1st, 2012
9:02 am
Lowery and Abernathy were in Monroe County last week telling people at the black churches that white people were going to hell.
ROTFLMFAO
November 1st, 2012
9:05 am
Kris (A,K.A. State School Superintendent John Barge)
Don’t want to give up your power, do you? “nuf said.
ROTFLMFAO
November 1st, 2012
9:07 am
Truth,
In which other “roon” would you put an elephant?
commoncents
November 1st, 2012
9:08 am
ad @ 8:57
How is it siphoning if the money follows the kid?
Feel free to vote “No” and continue allowing kids to go to the same failing schools that do not work, with the same failing teachers that can’t be fired.
**BTW, why is it that only old people still talk about racism? They are the ones keeping it alive