By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Mayor Ronnie and I were back to being able to meet at our usual time and place, which was a day before the Alabama State run-off primary elections held on Tuesday, June 16, and by the time we went to print and distribution, it was June 19. What do they have to do with each other? The process of securing, maintaining, and improving this experiment in democracy and a constitutional republic we call the United States of America. Voting is what made Juneteenth and the emancipation of the slaves a part of our complicated history, and Juneteenth began to be celebrated in the early part of the 20th century. (See Eric Betts’s Learning As A Lifestyle) article on page/////////,,,,,,,………
For Mayor Ronnie, voting has been a sacred charge, especially since he spent two years in the jungles of Vietnam where, let’s just say, voting wasn’t anywhere on the radar of the Viet Cong, nor was the commitment to defend anyone’s right to vote. As we chatted about candidates and issues, gratitude flowed regarding our ongoing and protected right to vote and choose our candidates, and for those who continue to protect our right to do so. “We need to get behind the country, and never lose sight of the importance of voting,” said the mayor. He also added that without coming together and maintaining teamwork in our city, state, or country, simply stated, we’ll be in trouble. “We’ve got to walk in our purpose, and walk as godly people,” he said.
The mayor played a video that had been produced by Athens Police Department underscoring their commitment to our personal and public safety. And although this may not have been the specific intent for this entry, it reminded us that APD is making sure that no one tries to stand in the way of our going to the polls, now or in November. This one was a serious one, and there are humorous ones in the works. The Chamber is releasing videos every Friday up until the 4th of July and the 250th celebration that is known as Red, White and Boom. Athens-Limestone citizens, local businesses, and city departments have been invited to create reels and shorts that illustrate their patriotism and community spirit. Each week a new winner will be selected, and the final winner will be announced as part of the celebration.
Mayor Ronnie briefly brought in Justin Travis, who is a Communications Specialist for the City of Athens, and KaTrina Wiggins, who is a Mayor’s Youth Commission graduate and is interning for the city this summer. KaTrina is attending Howard University and is majoring in political science. She is planning on becoming a lawyer, but not sure yet what type of law she wants to practice. When Justin and KaTrina went back to work, we laughed as we commented that with “young people like these guys, our future is in good shape.” By the way, when KaTrina is in school, she loves to go to the National Botanical Gardens to decompress. If you are ever in Washington, D.C., you need to discover why!
We had laughed and teased a lot with “the kids,” and we also knew we seriously needed to pray for Tuesday’s outcomes. So, once again, we did, and once again, it was time for Ronnie to roll.
By: Ali Elizabet Turner
