By Ashley Herndon
OCEANSIDE, Calif. | GwinnettForum’s recent Georgia Encyclopedia mention about Primus King of Columbus made me remember an incident from 1960.
Herndon
Our American history teacher at Columbus High taught us the value of free and honest elections. For those of us who were not registered to vote in the 1960 election between Kennedy and Nixon, she arranged for us to register. The school board and principal, Dr. Deason, agreed and provided transportation to the registrar.
When we arrived, there was a gentleman in his late middle years waiting at the door so he, too, could register. This man was well-dressed, mannerly and, as we learned, a business and homeowner in Columbus. He was also African American. The registrar was what we call today a white-non-Hispanic matronly female. And we learned not so much a lady.
Upon opening her door, she abruptly advised the gentleman to step aside so we white students, including one Puerto Rican from New York City, could enter. There was not room for all of us including the gentleman in the offices at the same time, so, she ‘told’ him to wait until she finished with us. A couple of us objected, but she told us to hold our tongues, this was “her” job.
She signed up and registered a couple of the girls in the front of our line. Then the same two girls and I asked her why she did not register the gentleman first as he was there first. Again, we were advised she did not need our help in registering ‘qualified’ voters.
She certainly sensed what she should do and then dismissively asked him to come in from the hall. She first made him prove he was a homeowner and taxpayer. He was ready for that. She then had him read one of the paragraphs of the Constitution fully and then cross-examined him about its meaning. I wished right then that I knew the Constitution as well as he did and could be so literate in its explanation. It was beautiful.
She then accused him of cheating and had him read from the Declaration of Independence. She even asked him who told him how to prepare. He simply smiled and said no one. You see, he was a graduate of Fort Valley State University and expressed he was well-taught over there. Goodness and mercy were his that day.
She relented and registered him. He smiled and thanked her and us for allowing him to move ahead of us, who were really behind him anyway.
We knew we would be asked to read and explain the preamble. I certainly hope those days are not returning.
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