Mayor Responds To The Trail Maids Controversy

Alabama Barack Obama Mayor Sam Jones said he "can think of no better group that represents the character and diversity of our city."

by Jamie Burch

Published: Fri, January 09, 2009 - 1:55 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, January 09, 2009 - 2:03 pm CST

Alabama NAACP President Edward Vaughn says the Azalea Trail Maids remind him of slavery days and he doesn't think they should be Alabama's only group in the presidential inaugural parade.

Vaughn's controversial comment has generated a lot of debate on wkrg.com.

Friday, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones released this written statement:

"The Azalea Trail Girls represent the beauty of Mobile. After all, we are the Azalea city. We are extremely proud of their participation in President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration and can think of no better group that represents the character and diversity of our city to showcase at this historic event. As it relates to diversity, we would compare Mobile with any city in the state of Alabama. We are a diverse city representing people from all segments and walks of life. These girls epitomize that, and they are excellent ambassadors for Mobile."

News 5's Tiffany Craig will have more on the controversy tonight on News 5 at 5:00 and 6:00, including an interview with the Azalea Trail Maids' president.

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Southern4sure Says:

Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 6:57 pm

PMcGill, your still spewing hate I see. And you say your not racist? You are the only one who should be ashamed.

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PMcGill Says:

Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Thank you Mayor “I’m scared of white people Jones. The ATM are exactly what Mr. Vaughn stated a shameful reminder of slavery. Now the whole country will know how backwards Alabama really is.

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BamaBob Says:

Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 4:04 pm

Has Vaughn said anymore about this? Are the girls all still set to go next week?

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framkly Says:

Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 3:09 pm

Maybe the Azalea Trail Maids along with Mayor Jones should take legal action against the NAACP along with President Vaughn. Also, I wonder if Vaughn has ever experienced MardiGra.

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mom2be09 Says:

Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm

As a former Azalea Trail Maid I would like to thank everyone who is standing up and supporting the Trail Maids. The president of the NAACP- has no idea what kind of feeling the young ladies have when they are elected to be an Azalea Trail Maid. It is one of the greatest accomplishments to wear that dress and be apart of a divine group of young ladies and represent OUR city and OUR state. It is such an amazing feeling. I look forward to watching the inauguration and seeing the Trail Maids there. I wished this type of event could have taken place when I was a Trail Maid.. Because we have made history in America and thats what the Trail Maids stand for diversity.

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candyrose Says:

Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:43 am

Mr. Jones, I agree with you 100%..The Trail Maids are beautiful and intelligent young ladies and deserve to go and be in the parade. Thanks for your statement and standing up for the Ladies and Alabama…I can think of noone better to represent Mobile and our beautiful State of Alabama….

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grnatm Says:

Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 9:38 pm

Donations for the Trail Maids can be sent to the Jaycee’s PO Box at P.O. Box 6746, Mobile, AL 36660.

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uamags Says:

Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 3:55 pm

Mobile Azalea Trail
PO BOX 6746
Mobile, AL 36606

I got this address from facebook but the azalea trail website has the zip code as 36660, so I’m not sure which one is correct.

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