By

 Dr. Wilson Triviño

Words Matter

As a lifelong resident of Cobb County, Georgia I have a reasonable expectation that our local government works toward creating a good quality of life for our community.   These intangibles encompass clean water, safe neighborhoods, and good roads.  As most of my neighbors, who lived hurried lives, I do not watch over the shoulders of our Commissioners in making the decisions for our County, but do hold them to a higher standard in their actions and words.  As a Latino reared in Cobb County, I have seen the evolution of growth and diversity.  I have always felt that I have had a voice and good representation from my Commissioners and county civil servants.

In our great nation, we are fortunate to have the freedom of speech to share our opinions; however, elected officials should be cautious of the words that are used in public and private forums. 

This concern is what I felt when I read the newspaper reports and watched the online video of Commissioner Annette Kesting as she addressed the Twenty first century Black History Celebration at Pleasant Groove Missionary Church in Marietta, Georgia on February 17th. 

I live in Commissioner Kesting’s district and have only met her in passing. Every day I appreciate her work in making sure that my roads are paved, that I have clean water, and that my sewage goes down the drain.

Commissioner Kesting’s words were taken to be very divisive and inflammatory. I do give her the benefit of the doubt that she intended to provide inspiration for future women leaders, but I’m concerned of the tone of her speech.   Instead of promoting women invitational leaders, she seemed to cast a Machiavellian approach that to succeed you need to get them, before they get you.

I applaud Commissioner Kesting’s hard work on behalf of her constituency. My hope is that she will be open to explain her words and reach out to the non-African Americans and non-Christians.  Then she will become a colorblind representative of all of the residents of Cobb County. 

Don’t wash laundry in public 

“Don’t wash laundry in public”, was the response given by Judge Marvin S. Arrington, Sr. who sits on the Fulton County Superior Court, when criticized on why he removed all the whites from his court room and left a captive African-American audience.  Judge Arrington explanation was part of his speech presentation about his new book, Making My Mark: The Story of a Man Who Wouldn’t Stay in His Place, on April 8 hosted by the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Public Library. 

Judge Marvin Arrington, was outraged that particular day on the bench. The crimes were unconscious able and the Judge felt he needed to step in and have a heart to heart with his black community.  His intentions were not to segregate but to have the opportunity to share from his experience to the black youth.  The Judge told them “they just needed to straighten up”. On that day, one of the crimes he was hearing was of a young drug dealer who was robbed of his $2,500 drug money.  His suppliers wanted the money in full immediately or they would kill him.  The drug dealer contacted the youth’s mother in Florida looking for a way out and she contacted his minister uncle in Atlanta.  The uncle pleaded with the thugs that he would give them $5,000 but they would have to wait until Monday.  Everything is closed on Sunday. Before terms were met, the victim’s mother heard shots and screams of her dying son.  He was shot in the head three times, point blank. Another case was three kids who were executed over an argument which erupted over $20. 

Judge Arrington has had an unconventional life.  Judge Arrington was born in the projects and was a “Grady Baby” from Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He had all the makings of a gangster upbringing.  What made the difference were his family and community.  He came from a strong mother and very committed public school teachers.  At his public school, the students had everything to lose, from used text books and unfit classrooms, to fights in the halls.  The extraordinary committed teachers gave him a belief in himself and the love of learning.

He attended Clark Atlanta College, Howard, and Emory Law School.  His turn into law school was coincidental.  After graduating from Clark Atlanta, he went to Howard.  Doing well at Howard Law, he was approached by the Dean of Emory Law to transfer to Emory after a visit to the school seeking a place to study while visiting home.   It was the mid-sixties when blacks and whites were segregated.  Judge Arrington jumped at the chance and finished at Emory.  He later went on to create one of the largest minority firms in America.

Judge Arrington’s career in politics began on the board of Alderman’s, a precursor to the Atlanta City Council.  Where he served a very successful career and served as President of the Atlanta City Council.  Judge Arrington shared a story that his first act as a city councilman was to integrate the black only and white only water fountains.  When he expressed his outrage to Sam Massell, the then Mayor agreed to do something, but expressed to him that like him, he had only been in office three days. 

This book is about a remarkable journey of an Atlanta native who despite the obstacles of race, color, and political divide was able to make a difference in the community.

Arrington calls this book a success manual for young people.  He points out that one needs to “simply set goals, don’t ever give up.  Do what you have to do and do what you want to do.  Learn to step up”.  Better yet, as one of his former mentors used to share with Judge Arrington, “if you see a fight, get in it.”

Now that he has finished the book which took over 15 years, he is collaborating with Bill Cosby with some unspecified projects to help his community overcome the barriers of race. 

Judge Arrington shared a parting story that when he was contemplating on quitting Howard Law School, his mother sent him a chocolate cake and ten dollars.  He was touched because his mother only earned four dollars a day cleaning houses.   That act made him stand up and work harder.   This book is dedicated to the memory and the lives of the many individuals who contributed to the remarkable life of Judge Marvin Arrington.

Political Scientist Dr. Wilson Triviño resides in Marietta, Georgia and is a speaker and writer for ABC Vision.  A consulting firm that focuses on leadership, change, and innovation. He may be reached at abcvision@gmail.com