To the Editor:
I am deeply disturbed and outraged by a recent Facebook post stating that the Mayor of Milledgeville “deserves to be swinging from a tree.” That language is not political criticism. It is violent, racially charged, and historically terroristic.
Let’s be clear: the mayor of Milledgeville is a Black woman.
References to “swinging from a tree” are unmistakable. They echo the darkest chapters of American history — lynching, racial terror, and intimidation used to silence Black leadership. There is no ambiguity here. This is not free speech.
This is hate speech with violent intent.
I proudly endorse Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan. I may disagree with people in politics, but I will never tolerate threats, racial violence, or dehumanization against her or anyone else. When language crosses into threats rooted in racial violence, it becomes a matter of public safety, not politics.
This is why I believe the Chief of Police must investigate this post immediately.
Public officials should not be forced to endure threats of racial violence simply for serving their community. Silence in moments like this sends the wrong message. Accountability sends the right one.
Milledgeville is better than this. We can debate policy. We can debate leadership. But we must draw a hard line against racism, intimidation, and threats of violence.
As I have said many times before: leaders solve problems, not create them.
Allowing this kind of language to go unchecked only creates more division and danger.
I stand with Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan. I stand for decency, accountability, and justice. And I call on our institutions to do the same.
Sincerely, Floyd L. Griffin State Representative