Response To Trail Maids Controversy

Alabama Election  Mobile Commission responds to complaint that Azalea Trail Maids should not represent Alabama at Presidential Inauguration.
by Mobile County Commission
Published: Thu, January 08, 2009 - 5:15 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, January 08, 2009 - 5:26 pm CST
Statement From Mobile County Commission

"We are extremely disappointed that the head of the Alabama NAACP has chosen to criticize the inclusion of Mobile’s Azalea Trail Maids in the upcoming presidential inauguration.

The Trail Maids have been ambassadors for Mobile County for almost 60 years. Competition to become a Trail Maid is extremely selective with only the brightest, most accomplished girls being chosen.

Over the years, the Trail Maids have helped welcome presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and other VIPs to Mobile. They have represented Mobile County across the nation at celebrated events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and at Presidential Inaugurations in 1985, and 2005.

The Trail Maids do not represent the Confederacy or antebellum times but reflect the beauty of Mobile and its 300-plus years of fascinating history.

Mobile is one of the country’s fastest growing areas in terms of economic development. This would not be possible if the community were divided. Mobile is a place that strives to be inclusive and represent the needs of all citizens. The City of Mobile has a majority white population but has a popular African-American mayor. Local governments, civic, and cultural organizations represent the diversity of our population.

22% of the current Trail Maids are minority. How sad it would be if these girls especially were denied the opportunity to witness history as Barack Obama is inaugurated as our 44th president.

The Mobile County Commission has supported the Azalea Trail Maids for the last four years with a $5,000 annual appropriation. We are proud to have these gracious young ladies represent Mobile County."


Mike Dean – Mobile County Commission President
Merceria Ludgood – Mobile County Commissioner
Stephen Nodine – Mobile County Commissioner


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Well said Sirk….Reggie Copeland should not have gave that piece of trash the time of day…He wants equality and all this other junk, but wants the all black universitys to represent the state.What the heck does that say? Why not the band from Auburn / Alabama…black and white maybe… The NAACP is a joke and should not even be given air time.

BamaBob:  You are hysterical!!!!

Trailmaid:  I admire how you responded to the negative cloud that has been cast towards the Trail Maids for one man’s own self centered agenda.  On a positive note though, I think a lot of people have learned a lot more about the Trail Maids than they knew prior to this attack by Mr. Vaughn.  Wear your dresses with PRIDE, SMILE BEAUTIFULLY and REPRESENT MOBILE, ALABAMA AND THE SOUTH to the best of your ability (which I am sure will be outstanding)!!!

Good Luck in Washington and please share with the WKRG audience your experience of a lifetime.

I agree with curiousone, what does Mr.Vaughn want the Trail Maids to wear “A MOONPIE”. This is gotten totally out of hand. Someone needs to put a stop to this!  Mr.Obama needs to contact Mr. Vaughn and give him an ultimatun!

Trailmaid, you comment was well stated. I am proud that you are representing us in DC. Hold your head up and keep your parasol close so you don’t get freckled smile I just read a write-up on your dresses and how you choose the individual styles. I had no idea. It’s all very interesting.

Besides all that, y’all keep some folks busy making the gowns. Thank you for the business.

when I see a Southern Belle, I think of the deep south….Mobile. I sure dont see a moon pie.

I think this is rediculous the maids are an extraordinary part of Mobiles history and I think its awful that as soon as an african american president is elected then all the sudden all the white histories are considered racism. They say the maids dresses represent slavery, then what does a person with his pants half way down his leggs represent.

On the upside you can be thankful this isn’t California, because they would be upset that there are no boys wearing those dresses.

As a newly selected Azalea Trail Maid, I would like to express my disappointment at Edward Vaughn’s comments and some others posted below.
For the past months, I have studied Mobile history, culture, and current events to prepare for the Azalea Trail interview process.  Despite the misconception that we are a group of empty-headed Southern belles, we are actually a group of bright, hard-working girls.  No Trail Maid has been handed her dress without effort.  Each and every one has worked to earn the honor through her GPA, co-curriculars, interview skills, and Mobile knowledge.
After undergoing this stressful process, I find these comments particularly offensive.  In his search for publicity, Vaughn has humiliated ALL the Trail Maids, regardless of race,and tainted the result of months of hard work.
Silly as our dresses may seem to those who don’t know us, they illustrate a sense of accomplishment and community pride. Hopefully you will learn more before making future judgements.

Here is a terrible situation of racism.  I am in rfront of Foley Wal-Mart in my wheelchair, I looked toward a black man.  He came over to me in my wheelchair and anger eyes popping out and said to me “Why are you looking at me man” I said I am looking at the world. If I were on my feet I sincerely believe he would have tried to start a fight.all this for NOTHING.What would you call this?

The brightly colored dresses represent Azaleas.  The whole thing was about the celebration of Azaleas, spring….......

Get over it!

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