PROTEST FOR EQUALITY IN BAY ST LOUIS

Protesters for equality are rising to action after a decision at Bay Saint Louis city hall sparked racial controversy. Tensions began when the only African American on the Bay-Waveland school board was replaced. News 25’s Gina Tomlinson has the report
Bay Saint Louis…a place apart from the rest of the state according to city aldermen reverend Jeffery reed.
“It seems to me like the state of Mississippi is going forward and Bay St. Louis has stepped backwards”
Protesters holding signs reading “justice for all” lined highway 90 outside Bay Saint Louis city hall Wednesday. Retired educator Joan Thomas was among the group. .Thomas is a former member of the Bay-Waveland school board who was set to be re-appointed…

“I start hearing some pretty disturbing things…some falsehoods…attributed to me. And it seems to have stemmed from one source…from city hall.”

The mayor and city council members voted to replace Thomas with educator Anne Lathrop–removing the only African American member on the board.
The decision was made earlier this month and some in the community are still upset.

“We no longer have any black members of the school board even though one third of our school children are either black or Hispanic…when you show the people the diversity that’s reflected in the population, that means something to the children.”

Protesters here, are hoping for change.
“African American children need role models so they can grow up and be leaders. We’re going backwards as far as I’m concerned”

In Bay Saint Louis Gina Tomlinson news 25.