Azalea Trail Maids= Slavery Maids?

Mobile Barack Obama The dresses worn by Azalea Trail Maids remind Alabama's NAACP president of the slave era and "shameful times"

by Tiffany Craig

Published: Thu, January 08, 2009 - 6:37 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, January 09, 2009 - 1:01 pm CST

Mobile's Azalea Trail Maids might be representing Alabama at the inauguration parade for president-elect Barack Obama but another president is trying to rain on their parade.

Alabama's NAACP President Edward Vaughn says the dresses represent slave times and the girls will be the laughing stock of the big event. All 50 maids hope to attend the event in the nation's capitol.... complete with their pastel-colored hoop dresses and bonnets!

Vaughn spoke to News 5 about the issue. "I just think that we needed something that could show Alabama's great progress rather than something that shows a shameful past. Alabama should have had something that was more indicative of the progress that has been made in the state rather than a throw back to the slave era."

Mobile County Commissioners plan to offer 5,000 dollars to help the girls get to the nation's capitol for the event. They released a statement about the comments made by Vaughn.

"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 expect to raise the contribution to $10,000 this year. 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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FastFred Says:

Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 7:21 pm

This subject of the Trail Maids is ridclious for those who would object to a costume dress representing a ERA gone by.These Ladies were outstanding and were a great tribute to the South and Mobile.I didn’t see anything any where about the disgraceful Language and racial overtones at the Inauguration brought to you by the scumie rappers,“JAYZEE”.This is something the NAACP should be screaming about,they should scold them for this type of disgraceful act.

Tide Fan Says:

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 8:14 am

2BorNOT2B

Since when do you care for our military? Im surprised you didnt say that these men knowingly straffed innocent civilians with their warplanes. You havent got that one way ticket to Iran yet??...there over there waiting for you.

crazy8 Says:

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 5:09 am

The Tuskegee Airmen are veterans that defended “OUR” country honorably.When i was in the military and bullets were flying over our heads,i didn’t give a damn what race my fellow soldiers were.

SouthernMama82 Says:

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:38 am

I applaude them for their service to our country. what I was saying is the people who wanted them to go were racist. they wanted them to go because they were all black. & then the same people were saying the trail maids were not diverse enough to represent Alabama but, a all black group was. my comment wasn’t putting down the tuskegee airmen but, merely pointing out that their were people talking out of both sides of their mouths!

2BorNOT2B Says:

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 1:33 am

The Tuskegee Airmen are racist??? Oh my goodness. Learn some history. “The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America’s first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism.” “These airmen fought two wars - one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad.” The military was mostly segregated in WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen weren’t all black because they were racist. They were black because most whites didn’t want to be near a black. The Tuskegee Airmen fought that racism the best way they could have. They held their head high, their goals were set even higher and they outperformed their peers. I really don’t think you can compare the Tuskegee Airmen with this group of attention seekers. Get real. The Tuskegee Airmen were what you people call great heroes. I call them honorable men. The best of the best.

SouthernMama82 Says:

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 1:06 am

aren’t the tuskegee airmen all black? so wouldn’t that be racist? @least the Azalea Trail Maids are diverse.

nyck822 Says:

Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 6:54 pm

Honestly I never heard of these beautiful maidens before. I actually thought they were part of the rainbow of the LBGA marching band that was in front of them. The colors of the rainbow was pretty. I thought it was possibly gay people dressed in these gorgeous costumes. I thought what a wonderful show and the president must be so thrilled to see them.

These woman whether be white, green, blue orange, yellow, black,,or gay,, these ladies were very impressive!!

nyck822 Says:

Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Peace2b Says:

Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 5:57 am

Kudos to Tinarena - All of your points are right on !!!!!!

candyrose Says:

Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 12:42 pm

WTG tinarena you stated the facts perfectly..Supporting these Ladies as you say is exactly what we all need to do..I applaud you on your facts. Yes, we have racist still today, both black (like Vaughn) and whites. If he had never said what he did the idea of the ATM being like slavery times, Which that is not what it represents, would NEVER had been brought up. Yes, truth, he was lying..The ATM’s are the BEST we have to offer and they deserve every ounce of recognition they will get. Hope noone thinks that moonpie was 1 of the best LOL…

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