Here’s another group mad at Barack Obama and his upcoming inauguration. The head of the Alabama NAACP, Edward Vaughn, wants wants Mobile’s Azalea Trail Maids to stay home on Inauguration Day, claiming the group reminds him of slavery. One hitch. They have been part of a long standing tradition that will soon become a part of Presidential history. Geez, where has he been all these years?
Vaugh said, “these are not just regular costumes. These are the costumes that remind someone of the plantation in Gone with the Wind.” He went on to say the group would be the laughing stock of the Inauguration. County leaders say nothing could be further from the truth.
“We want everyone to know that these young ladies do not need to be identified with slavery,” said Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine. “I don’t see what the dresses have to do with racism. I don’t see it. It’s just a regular dress to me. Just a dress they wore back in the day,” said Carolyn Tius. Organizers stand behind the tradition, but opponents say tradition is the problem. “We needed something that could show Alabama’s great progress rather than something that shows a shameful past,” Vaughn said. Source: WFSA 12 News
Really, Mr. Vaughn? Where were you when Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were inaugurated? You didn’t have a problem then, but you do now? You are fanning the flames of racism. This has no traction, at this point.
Filed under: Alabama, Azalea Trail Maids, Edward Vaughn, Inauguration Day, NAACP, Plantation, President-elect Barack Obama, Racism
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