TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Election Brings New Pride To Progress Village

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA FRAZIER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2008

PROGRESS VILLAGE - People waving political signs outside Progress Village Park on Election Day said race fueled their fervor to support Barack Obama. But now, with the election frenzy behind them and the country's first black president poised to assume command in January, they want to focus on unity and change for people of all races.

"It doesn't matter what you look like — black, white, Asian, Hispanic or whatever. Our economy is in a terrible state and we all need change and unity," said Marlise Tolbert-Jones, a staunch Obama supporter who rallied her neighbors to help get him elected.

Tolbert-Jones, 44, met about a dozen friends outside the precinct in the predominantly black neighborhood when the polls opened at 7 a.m. Nov. 4. The enthusiastic group implored voters and passing motorists to cast their ballots for Obama.

Tolbert-Jones, who was born and raised in Progress Village and now lives in Clair Mel, said she has always supported the Democratic Party and would have voted for Obama even if he was white.
"I voted for Bill Clinton," she said. "I loved Bill Clinton."

The fact that Obama is black, she said, was just a big bonus and an inspiration for communities like hers across the country to register and vote in record numbers.

The Rev. James Murphy, associate pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Progress Village, agreed.

Murphy said that like many black parents, he optimistically told his children they could be anything they wanted to be when they grew up.

"Now it's real," said Murphy, who helped coordinate volunteers to drive residents to vote, then give them a hot meal at the church and a ride home. "Anyone can really grow up to become president."
Tolbert-Jones, a church secretary who normally shuns the spotlight, was inspired by Obama enough to spend the past few months knocking on doors, talking to people and handing out signs. She had friends drive her around Progress Village so she could hang out of the car window with a megaphone and shout, "We've all got to help put our Barack Obama in the White House!"

On Election Night, neighbors gathered around a big-screen television on the church lawn at St. James. When John McCain conceded, there were many whoops, tears and hugs.

The next morning, Tolbert-Jones was hoarse and tired but still bubbled with what she called a new pride for black people everywhere and renewed hope for people of all races.

"This is gonna be good for everyone," she said.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT