Voter Intimidation and Voter Suppression in Quitman Georgia

Representative Tyrone Brooks (GA), President of GABEO (Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, leads the march on the Brooks County Courthouse in Quitman Georgia for Justice for the Quitman 10 + 2. Fore more information on the Quitman 10+ 2 - www.adrianeharden.com

Story of The Quitman 10 + 2

Voting Rights Threatened in Georgia Town: The Case of the Quitman 10 + 2

Adriane Harden

Not many people know about The Quitman 10 +2.

Quitman is a small town of about 5000 people, 67% African American, in rural South Georgia, not far from the Florida state line.  A few years ago, a group of citizens, tired of having no voice in their community,  decided to go out and encourage residents to exercise their right to vote.  Going door-to-door, they were successful with voter registration and education. Hundreds became new voters and engaged in the political life of their community. Three candidates were chosen to run for two School Board positions and one County Commission seat. Relying heavily on advance voting and voting via absentee ballot, the three African Americans beat white incumbents in the Democratic primary. The losers entered as write-in candidates in the November 2010 general election but lost again.

In Georgia, there are no restrictions on who can use an absentee ballot and advance voting  provided more flexibility for casting a ballot. By employing these two alternate methods of voting, many whose work schedules or family responsibilities had hindered them from voting in the past were encouraged to express their view. The balance of power on the School Board was altered and an African American educator, Dr. Nancy Dennard, was named chair of the Board. Upset by the outcome,  the local District Attorney ordered a GBI investigation.  Shortly after the newly elected members took office, on Dec. 21, 2010, 10  people including Dr. Dennard the other successful candidates,  were arrested and charged with alleged unlawful possession of ballots that favored the board members in the 2010 Brooks County school board election.   500 people kept vigil at the jail until they were released.

Since their arrest on December 2010, they have not been indicted and have not heard anything else from the District Attorney’s office.  A year later, two more people were charged with voter fraud.

 On January 10, 2012, Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia suspended three of the African American Brooks County School Board members, by way of an Executive Order.   These members have not been convicted of anything, much less voter fraud.

The suspension returns the Brooks County school board to a white majority, effectively dismissing the result s of the election.

 The Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials (GABEO )will hold their winter conference on February 24-26 2012 in Quitman, Georgia and have planned a March and Rally on the courthouse to demand the charges be dropped and the suspension of their terms be lifted.

For more information, please contact Adriane Harden@ 678-653-2012 or email amharden@gmail.com

G-LAW

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST G-LAW

I met this man and his family at the Annual A.D. King Youth Empowerment Parade.  I hope you take two minutes and listen to the video.  He is the Truth!!  He is currentlyon  a hunger strike and  spending 30 days in a jail cell in downtown Atlanta, as he says "so your children won't have to".  I admire his passion for Education over Incarceration.  He has a five year old son that is  a community activist and  raps with him.  For more information go to their website.  www.glawfoundation.com



Mrs. Naomi King speaks at the Georgia State Capitol

Mrs. Naomi King, wife of the late Reverend A.D. King, speaks at the Georgia State Capitol during the Annual A.D. King Youth Empowerment Parade.  Reverend A.D. King was the younger brother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  For more information visit the website www.adkingfoundation.com

Bronner Brothers 65th International Hair Show

On February 18-21, 2012, Bronner Bros. rolls out the red carpet on yet another fantastic show, celebrating its 65th International Hair Show at the Georgia World Congress Center. The four-day cosmetology convention will offer a unique opportunity for thousands of stylists who endeavor to stay on the cutting-edge of new developments in products and styling techniques to come together for one cause – to witness and experience a quality show with education and entertainment unmatched at any other show.



A.D. King's Life and Legacy

If you missed the live show on The Fight for Truth Radio Network last night you missed a great show, but fear not the podcast is available to listen to this great interview.   Dr. Babs Onabanjo was our special Guest.  Dr. Babs, as known by friends, told the life story of Reverend A.D. King the younger brother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  A.D. King was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Acts, Voting Rights Act and the Open Housing Ordinance.  He was very active with the Poor People's Campaign.  The Annual A.D. King Youth Parade will take place Saturday February 18 2012 at 12 noon in Atlanta Georgia.  Starting at Washington High School and Ending at the Georgia State Capitol.  For more information. www.adkingfoundation.com .

Click here to listen to the Interview with Dr. Babs Onabanjo with Atlanta Metropolitan College

Whitney Houston dead at 48

The Associated Press is reporting that iconic and troubled singer, Whitney Houston is dead. The pop icon was in the midst of planning a career comeback. She recently worked on a remake of the 70s-cult film Sparkle in Detroit alongside ex-American Idol Jordin Sparks.

But there have also been recent reports of serious financial trouble and a serious case of emphysema.

From AP:

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

Faces of Foreclosure Rally on February 23 12 Noon

Faces of Foreclosure Rally

Join us and others as we speak and rally in support of families across Georgia and the passage of HB 781 (Homeowners Fairness Act) sponsored by Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick of the 94th on Thursday February 16th 12PM -2PM Georgia Capitol West Wing Steps (facing Washington Street)
If you represent an organization whose Members are affected by foreclosure in the state and would like to address the crowd, please contact Latosha Arnold, Legislative Aide to State Representative Dar'shun Kendrick at (404) 656-0109 or legaide@kendrickforgeorgia.com.




www.kendrickforgeorgia.com to check updates!