A meeting with mayoral candidates in a Georgia city had a controversial twist: white journalists were not allowed.

Signage plastered on the entrance read "Black Media ONLY,” and white journalists who showed up were denied entry, reports Savannah Morning News. One reporter said she was told she could stay because she was Black.

The event was planned by The Trigon Group, a consulting firm owned by Rev. Clarence Teddy Williams. Attendees received several pieces of literature including an opinion piece from The Savannah Herald titled “United We Win, Divided We Lose.” In the article, former Mayor Otis Johnson urged Savannah’s Black community to unite and get involved with the political process.

“Where is the demand from the Black community for what it wants from its city government?” Johnson wrote. “If we come together and decide what we want and who we believe will work best for us to get it, then we have a chance to advance. If we can organize, unite and mobilize our power, we can win.”

Guests also received a pamphlet about Savannah’s racial demographics and a vote breakdown of the 2015 race. Savannah’s current mayor is Eddie DeLoach, the first white mayor in over 20 years, according to Connect Savannah.


The exclusion of white journalists drew criticism.

Several politicians were in attendance but distanced themselves when asked about the rule.

“I didn’t plan the meeting so I can’t comment on that part,” said mayoral candidate Louis Wilson. “I came to say what I had to say.”

Alderman Van Johnson, another candidate, also passed the buck.

“It’s not my meeting,” Johnson said. “I was asked to come and give a statement, so I came and I gave a statement. What I said in there, I’ll say out here.”

Johnson gave a lengthier statement on his Facebook page.


"I have expressed my concerns to the organizers of this event as my history of service in this community has ALWAYS been one of inclusion, of partnership and of communication,” Johnson said. “While this decision of this group is unfortunate, I work toward the day when we trust each other enough to be inclusive in all of our gatherings."

Savannah State University professor Jamal Toure doesn’t see a problem.

"Why make an issue out of it? Oh. I know why you make an issue of it, because they no longer have control,” he told WSAV. “There's a new day in Chatham County and in Savannah, Georgia. Folks are understanding they need retain their community and their leadership they must be the voice for themselves."

Another Black candidate, Regina Thomas, wasn’t at the meeting. When asked about it, she called it premature and stated she was focused on getting "everybody's vote."

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Alderman Van JohnsonLouis WilsonMayor Eddie DeLoachRegina ThomasSavannah mayoral raceSavannah, GeorgiaWhite journalists not allowed in meeting