Program Note: Tune in tonight to hear more about the election on AC360° at 10 p.m. ET.
Ed Lavandera
CNN Correspondent
James Young still remembers the Ku Klux Klan tormenting his neighborhood. He can still see his father holding a gun on the living room couch ready to shoot anyone who threatened his family.
Nothing about Young's childhood ever made him think he could be the mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, the town best known for the killings of three civil rights workers in 1964.
That's the way it was for black kids growing up in this crucible of racial hostility - big dreams were often squelched. Sitting on a sprawling Southern front porch this week, Young broke down in tears about what it means to be elected the town's first black mayor.
"When you've been treated the way we've been treated," he told CNN, choking up and then pausing to wipe the tears from his face.
| Mike in NYC |
May 22nd, 2009 1:41 pm ET "...it might be time to quit picking on Philadelphia, Mississippi." But picking on Whites will always be in season. |
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| pam |
May 22nd, 2009 1:57 pm ET "Mississippi is still a very poor state. I would have problems spending my money there because of the close mindedness there." Show a more positive side in the state. Can they do that? |
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| lam0nt Austin |
May 22nd, 2009 3:38 pm ET Umm Pam, electing a black mayor isnt positive? And sometime it isnt the money thats needed its just plain ole help, understanding and some recognition... Lamont Austin |
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| Teresa, OH |
May 22nd, 2009 4:56 pm ET Congrats, Mr. Young !!! This: "see his father holding a gun on the living room couch ready to shoot anyone who threatened his family".... brought tears to my eyes.... THATS what a dad does : ) You were very blessed. and why you won is right here, this says it all about who you are and your character: "It's an awesome feeling to have that kind of respect that people support you in this way," Young said near the end of our interview. "I'll never let the people down which called for that." |
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| stew |
May 22nd, 2009 4:58 pm ET The right help is needed here and it not all that bad of people think of Mississippi. I came a long way. I live in Greenwood Ms. I use to live in Chicago and yes it different here and it getting better. As a matter of fact we have a black Mayor in Greenwood too. I see change and it more to come. |
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