No I’m not talking about the Elton John classic referring back to the Colonial days of freedom fervor in Pennsylvania but a more modern incarnation of that spirit.
In case you missed it, Philadelphia, Mississippi recently elected its first ever African American mayor. I think Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner might be in heaven doing a dance with Dr. King over this one.
Read and listen to the story about how new mayor James Young recalls the fearful, hateful days of the Jim Crow south and the 21st century route to overcoming the past.
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His election has elicited an international reaction of joy similar to that of president Obama’s feat. Congratulations Mayor Young.
This is indeed a turning point that hopefully brings positive changes to the city and entire region.
It’s too much to believe that all minds will change, but a political shift is a good start.
I wish the mayor a long and productive term.
I remember watching the news report of his election victory. He was cool until he reminisced about growing up in that very town; that’s when it hit him how big this victory was.
@Shirley: Agreed. And it always starts with a shift on many levels, political, perceptual and paradigm included.
@lindseyp: I bet it was a lot for him to take him. You know there are decades of memories swirling around his head. And now the circle completes itself.