Local leaders discuss racial tensions and unity in post-election Alabama

Post-election tensions are high, and one church, Birmingham, is sending a strong pro-Trump message to African-American voters.

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Two different messages are displayed on each side of their sign at New Era Baptist Church on Cotton Avenue.

On Thursday we tried to reach Pastor Michael Jordan about their messaging choices, but were unsuccessful.

Many people on social media say the current sign is “sad” and “hateful.”

On Thursday, we spoke with both the Democratic chairman of Jefferson County and the chairman of the Republican Party in Alabama about the current political climate, and whether this rhetoric is justified.

“We understand that rural Alabama has become very Republican-driven. Unfortunately, sometimes that message means they are hearing what we believe is a significantly racist message,” said Wayne Rogers, chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party.

“Overall, it’s just a message that creates two types of people: us and them… and that’s a disturbing message for many. We are all human, we are all humans, and we should all strive for the same thing. Rogers added.

We also spoke with Republican Party leaders about their immediate response to those who stand so strongly against Trump’s presidency.

“I am incredibly saddened by this response.” SaidJohn Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.

“The values ​​of the Republican Party believe in protecting civil rights, we believe in protecting the rights of minorities,” Wahl added.

Both parties tell us their goal is to unite, not divide.

They are ready to get to work, both in Jefferson County and across the state.

“Such an important race, we now have two Democratic members of Congress in Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures,” Rogers said.

“Walt Curry has won the District 2 school board race, which means that now, after the 2022 cycle when Stephanie Floyd was elected to District 3… we now have a majority on the Jefferson County School Board for the first time in a generation ” he added. .

“We want to do a good job, we want to prepare for Inauguration Day… And on Day 1, we will fight for the policies and fight for the principles that will ensure that every American will have a safer, more successful, better life.” Wahl said.