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Lake City Florida: Police Chief & City Manager In, Confederate Flag - Jury Out

LAKE CITY, FL – Last night in Lake City, City Hall, Mayor Steve Witt, the City Council, and an overflow standing room only crowd listened patiently as speaker after speaker spoke about the Police Chief, the City Manager, the Stars and Bars/Confederate Battle Flag, and Civil War/Lake City history.

Some were asking for the resignation of the Police Chief, the City Manager, and the Confederate Flag's removal from the City logo/seal, and some were there to defend the same things. Folks came from as far away as the Carolinas to express their views. Lake City's Mayor Steve Witt (photo) gave everyone the chance to be heard and as much time as they needed. Most everyone was respectful of the time.

The first speaker was long-time Columbia County NAACP local chapter president John Mayo. The local chapter had backed off its earlier demands calling for the resignation or removal of the Police Chief and City Manager and removing the Confederate Flag from the City logo.

Mr. Mayo told the Council that the local branch of the NAACP met on Friday night and determined that they wanted to have a town hall meeting on July 30th, 7:30 pm, at the Richardson Community Center, "to inform the community about our concerns with what goes on within the police department." Mr. Mayo mentioned that the City would hear from the State NAACP regarding this meeting.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference

The next speaker was the State President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization founded by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in 1957: My name is Pastor R. L. Gundy. I am the State President for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. My purpose for being here is to make sure without a doubt that the SCLC at the state and national level is calling for the Chief of Police and the City Manager's resignation, immediately."

After running through a list of alleged wrongs in the Lake City Police Department, Pastor Gundy said that he had information that City Manager Wendell Johnson had used the N-word "as it relates to Americans of African descent. That cannot be tolerated in this day and time."

Pastor Gundy then brought up the Confederate flag issue on the Lake City logo, which is prominent on City stationery and vehicles. He told the Council, "You have a right to do that if that's what you want to do. This being 2012, it's time for you to do something different. There comes a point in time when we have to lay some stuff down."

Pastor Gundy concluded, "I pray; I hope; I plead with you to do the right thing and make the right decisions. The evidence that you have, you know it. Here is a plea to you. Here is a commitment to you. If you don't do it now, we'll just keep coming; keep marching; keep protesting until you finally get the message. God bless you."

Lake City's Community Revival Church

Pastor Clive Douglas, Pastor of the Community Revival Church followed. In a few words he summed up the feelings of many:  Injustice is being projected in this City in a wide spread. I am in agreement with asking for the resignation of the City Manager and the Chief of Police. Our children and people in the black community are fearful because injustice is being done. It was born out of prejudice and hatred -- the Confederate flag. Some of you call it heritage, but we call it hatred. We're living in a time where we need to focus on one flag, one people, one nation under God, serving him with liberty and justice for all. I pray this will impact the City to make the right decision.

The State NAACP

Dale Landry, president Tallahassee branch of the NAACP, read a prepared statement on behalf of Adora Nweze, the NAACP state president.

Mr. Landry began:  The Florida State Conference of the NAACP calls for the resignation of Lake City Manager and Police Chief amid controversy regarding a photograph, lack of retention of African American police officers and insensitivity regarding continued use of the Confederate flag as part of the official seal and on government vehicles.

Included in the written statement was the following:  President Nweze, along with members of the Columbia County branch of the NAACP, met with Chief Gilmore where President Nweze advised her she was requesting her resignation after showing her the photograph and advising her that information relating to the photograph indicated she (Chief Gilmore) had commented that it was "community outreach." Chief Gilmore during the discourse indicated the comment of community outreach did not occur and further challenged the NAACP interpretation of the photograph.

Mr. Landry announced that President Nweze will be coming back to Lake City to host the town hall meeting for which Mr. Mayo called. "She is assuming her authority as the president for the Florida state conference (NAACP)."

Mr. Landry concluded: I want to say thank you to everybody here, because based on these elements and the actions with Chief Gilmore, and the photograph, and the stuff we've seen, the state president has now taken it on that Florida will now become the third state to ratify the position calling for the elimination of the Confederate flag and the status that it is. Lake City will become ground zero, as we move forward on a national campaign to help do this. Thank you.

A Local Citizen and Business Woman

Elizabeth Allum, a community business woman, spoke in support of the Chief and said, "Neither the Chief, nor the City Manager started this mess. We need the courts to make a determination. It's unfair to ask the Council to make a decision without all the facts."

Southern Confederate Veterans Mechanized Cavalry

Ron Colson, the captain of the Southern Confederate Veterans Mechanized Cavalry, came from Tallahassee and spoke next on behalf of Chief Gilmore.

Mr. Colson praised the reputation and character of Chief Gilmore and stated that her photo op with the group "is of little significance."

Mr. Colson spoke of the good works of the Mechanized Cavalry and explained that "the group spends endless days and hours educating or entertaining the public regarding the truth about your ancestors and mine, or the rich history of a place such as Columbia County, Florida."

Mr. Colson continued, "Many despicable groups have misused our proud Confederate banner, and many disparaging remarks are frequently made regarding us or any others who might proudly display it... We know that the truth will only be received from us if our character and commitment have earned us the right to be heard."

Mr. Colson told the Council that Chief Gilmore was not endorsing any philosophies that the group might hold, "She was out there as a good ambassador. I would hope that she was representing you."

The website of the SCV Mechanized Cavalry reminds the reader: Ride as you would with Forrest, conduct yourself as you would in the presence of Robert E. Lee!

Mr. Colson was the only guest in City Hall sporting an emblem with a Confederate symbol.

A number of members of the Lake City Police Department were in full dress uniform in the audience. Police Officer Gerald Ford said, "The Chief is not running people off, she is welcoming them in."

HK Edgerton - He came from the Carolinas

The next speaker came in from the Carolinas. He began, "Members of the Council, members of the public, I am HK Edgerton, president of Southern heritage 411... and am bound by oath to defend the Confederate soldier's good name."

Mr. Edgerton addressed the concerns of Columbia County's NAACP president, John Mayo: John Mayo voiced concern about a jacket that read Ride with Forrest and that the Honorable Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest founded the Klan, and that everybody knows that the Southern Cross is known by everybody to be a hate symbol. While Gen. Forrest did head up the Klan, his leadership helped break the back of the so-called reconstruction in the South, and the criminal activities of the Union League and carpetbag rule that heaped terror upon the women of the South in lieu of their race or social status.

The LCPD

Lake City Police Officer Craig Strickland was next up at the microphone: I want to speak this evening because we're out here because of one simple photo that was taken, and it is my personal belief it is also being used as a springboard for another political agenda."

A few moments into Officer Strickland's remarks, some folks left the room. Officer Strickland is one of the Public Information Officers with the LCPD. It was not clear, as he stood there in his full dress uniform, if he was speaking for the Department, the Chief, the City, himself, or some combination.

Officer Strickland went on to say, "We're here because of biased allegations; feelings based off of a spirit of offense; political agendas; personal vendettas; historical misinterpretation; one-sided statistics... Obviously we're here because of a photo taken during our community celebration of a historical event... I view the top half of the City logo as a historical event and not a symbol of hate... I am a licensed minister in the state of Florida... As an organization [Police Department] we refuse to be a puppet on a string to negative outside agendas or vendettas, or threats veiled as promises... the allegations lack any basis of truth... there is no substantiation of any wrongdoing by our Chief of Police or the City Manager."

Glynell Bowden - Former County NAACP President

Glynell Bowden a former City Councilman and presently an aid for Representative Corrine Brown, told the Council: I believe that sexism and chauvinism has much to do with this as anything in the world. There are people that can't deal with an educated, intelligent black woman. I think that's what's driving this today... the first time in history we get a woman chief that happens to be black, she ought to resign or be fired... she took a picture and then we are going to associate her with the Confederacy and the Klan... I think what is happening here is high tech lynching. To put this picture on the Internet – a reputation has been damaged from Lake City to Miami by people who don't even know what it means.

Chief Gilmore: "How dare you."

The first thing Chief Gilmore did was criticize representatives from both the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the NAACP for leaving without hearing all the speakers, including her. She said, "What I'm disappointed about is that the ones that came from Jacksonville and the one that came from Tallahassee and other places -- you're not here. You wanted us to hear you... why did you not give the same respect to those who wanted to talk about what we are doing here? I just think that was very disrespectful."

As Chief Gilmore's PowerPoint presentation was being prepared, she said, "How dare someone who does not even live here come here and tell us -- who we're not and who we're not  -- how dare you?"

Both Chief Gilmore and City Manager Johnson, both from out of town, moved to Lake City upon accepting employment.

The Chief continued reading from her PowerPoint, "On June 28th, members of the local and the State NAACP came to my office. They presented a picture of me. Media, this is my statement. Because I am in litigation, this is my statement, so I will not be doing interviews after this. This is my statement. Okay? Are we all clear? All right."

After almost an hour and nearly a hundred PowerPoint slides later, Chief Gilmore had covered just about everything that could be covered. She praised her department, lambasted the naysayers, criticized Rudolph Davis, and concluded where she began. "Don't allow external persons, who do not live here to create a racial discord in our community – nor persons with hidden agendas or persons grandstanding... We are better and stronger together."

The Chief then mentioned something about a prayer vigil and said the attorney told her not to mention it.

She concluded, "Media, please help us. I won't say that again. Stand with me and say not in our community."

Shortly after that, City Councilman Ward moved for a vote of confidence for both Chief Gilmore and City Manager Johnson.

Councilman Ward said, "In light of the comments that have been made tonight, I think it is only reasonable that Council needs to answer some of these demands. I personally feel that it is unfounded."

Without one word of discussion, the City Council unanimously voted its confidence in the Chief and the City Manager.

No one on the Council mentioned the Confederate flag on the City logo.

The City Council then proceeded with the evening's agenda. A handful of people were left.

Comments  (to add a comment go here)

On July 17, 2012, Brett Moffatt from Tennessee wrote:  Confederate Heritage‏

I have been following some of the news and discussions concerning the controversies your city is embroiled in. I'd like to make a couple of observations.  First, the flag you are calling the Stars and Bars is a Battle flag, which is totally separate from the 1st National 'Stars and Bars.' This may not concern you, but I'm always fascinated with people who think they know something, only to show the world they have no clue what they are talking about. You dishonor all Confederates, including African-American and Native-American when you say that flag is a symbol of the KKK. If you would do some research, you'd find that the Bible and the United States flag are used by the KKK. That doesn't mean that bad people have not used the flag, but they have used many flags and symbols.

You are perpetuating a falsehood when you make such sweeping statements.  Your accusation that Gen. Forrest was a member and a Grand Wizard of the KKK is also a statement which is unproven.  The only connection that is certain is that Gen. Forrest called for the disbanding of the KKK because it was becoming violent.  It was originally not a violent organization, but reincarnations of it have embraced various beliefs.

I am surprised that a Christian organization has joined in this attack.  I thought they were promoting better relations between all peoples, yet here they are pushing people apart, and spreading intolerance and bigotry.  One would hope that they would take a position to help reconcile all people, in a Christian manner.  I would like to feel welcomed in your fair city.  It would help if the SCLC would adopt Dr. King's attitude and not attack Confederate heritage.  The NAACP has suffered because of its attacks on Confederate heritage and its inability to solve the problems of the African-American community. I truly would love to see people respecting each other and everyone's heritage.             Sincerely, Brett Moffatt

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On July 17, 2012, D from Lake City wrote:  This is 2012, not 1860.

Of course civil rights groups will join hands, as they need to join forces to spread their own brand of hate and censorship more effectively. I am so thoroughly disgusted with the mindset that if someone takes offense at MY free speech, MY friends. MY organizations, I am expected to change. These groups who claim to be out there to advance "their" people spew so much hate and rhetoric that they counteract any good they might do.

This is 2012, not 1860.

The Confederate flag is as much a part of our nation's heritage as MLK's "I have a dream..." speech.  Neither embodies or represents hate.  Heck, look at the original US flag...is that also a hate symbol?  If everyone would mind their own business and worry about working together to improve our city, things would be a whole lot better.  Instead, this is what I see in the news...hate and dissention.

I think Chief Gilmore and the LCPD have done a wonderful job of cleaning up Lake City.  Just imagine how much more they could accomplish if they didn't have to deal with this petty nonsense.
                 D   (please withhold my full name due to my job & community activities)

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On July 18, 2012, Charles L. wrote:

Re: Lake City Florida: Police Chief & City Manager In Confederate Flag - Jury Out, Southern Confederate Veterans Mechanized Cavalry?? Did anyone put any effort into getting the name of this organization right?? It's SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS - MECHANIZED CAVALRY. As for the logo, it simply needs to stay the same. Folks need to stop erasing history.     Charles L.

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On July 19, 2012, Wayne Scarborough of Byron, GA wrote:

I’d like to thank Chief Gilmore for the warm welcome she gave us, and all visitors at the annual Olustee parade. I saw the Chief in a golf cart as she approached, stopping, talking to and greeting folks before she got to our group. (Mechanized Cavalry).

I’d like to address the first sentence of the article, – “The controversy surrounding the Stars and Bars, or the Confederate Flag”, The Stars and Bars and the Confederate Flag are two different flags, type in Stars and Bars in Wikipedia to learn more.  It’s obvious that the writer of this article did very little, if any research in regards to the Flags, The Sons of Confederate Veterans or the Mechanized Cavalry. Also, Mr. Mayo states, “the Confederate flag is nothing but a hate symbol”, I’d like to remind Mr. Mayo that the Confederate Flag is not a hate symbol or a racist flag. There was not one slave brought to this country in a ship flying the Confederate flag, they were all brought here in ships flying the US flag, along with other countries flying their flags.

I’d like to ask the Observer the same question they asked Chief Gilmore, “What do you think the Confederate Mechanized Cavalry stands for?"

The design of the Confederate Flag was chosen because it represents a Christian symbol, the St. Andrews cross. St. Andrew was the first disciple of Jesus Christ. We do not condone, and will not tolerate any group that uses the Confederate Flag in a racist manner.                 Regards,        Wayne Scarborough

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On July 20, 2012, George Purvis of SHAPE wrote:

Sir your comments reflect just how little you and the SCLC know about "The War'. It is action actions and comments by you and the SCLC that that reflect bigotry, racism and ignorance. First of all the war had nothing to do with slavery --- nothing!!!! Second Yankee abuses of Negroes during the war is being documented at a website I am webmaster [SouthernHeritageAdvancementPreservationEducation.com] and thirdly do you have any idea how many Negroes served the Confederate Government during the war? I have no final figure but there were several thousand.   Regards, George Purvis

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On July 20, 2012, a reader wrote: The Confederate Flag

As a southerner and a descendant of Confederate soldiers, I wish to defend the use of the Confederate Flag in city logos, in any manner that does NOT stand for racism.

There are violent and racist groups who have sought to bring new meaning to the Confederate Flag.  This flag represents not only the white Americans who fought in the Civil War but black Americans who did the same.  The Civil War; Union and Confederate flags are symbols of our American Heritage, our history.  In Lake City, the battle of Olustee is remembered each year.  It's sad that the proud flag of the Confederate Army has come to be a symbol of hate groups and racism.  I see it as simply a part of our history.  Yes, the Confederate objective was to preserve and protect their way of life and, sadly, that included the institution of slavery and I find that appalling.  But we cannot do away with this important part of our past just because certain factions have tried to disgrace that symbol today.

I am NOT racist but I absolutely support the continued display of the historical Confederate Flag - both in Lake City and anywhere it is used properly - as a symbol of respect to all who fought for the Confederacy, not as a representation of negative racist views.  The Confederate Flag is a part of our Southern History, a part of each of us who were born and raised in the South and it deserves our respect.


This work by the Columbia County Observer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.

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