Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the day with Shelia Smoot (AL-07) on the campaign trail. We traveled through a part of the country with great historical richness potential but juxtaposed with communities that are some of the most impoverished in the country.
Gees Bend in Wilcox County, along the Alabama River, is a perfect example of such a community. Yesterday the official State placards marking Gees Bend and the Boykin Mercantile Store were unveiled
As a candidate Shelia understands the urban issues as well as the rural issues of the 7th Congressional District. She understands the need for improving the infrastructure throughout this district and if elected would love to sit on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Without the proper infrastructure it is hard to get good paying jobs in the district and jobs seem to be the number one issue in AL-07 based on listening to constituents throughout the district. Wilcox County, home of Gees Bend, continuously has the highest unemployment rate in the state at nearly 25% and one of the highest in the country.
Shelia talks about how citizens of Gees Bend have to travel by ferry in order to get across the river.
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The Ferry Service began in the 1960's but was closed in reaction to black residents taking it to go register to vote. The service did not restart officially until 2006.
The Ferry Service -
Here is the Boykin Mercantile Store and placard commemorating it's history-
Shelia with Tinnie Pettway, the proprietor of the store and a founding Gees Bend collective Quilter.
Shelia Smoot has distinguished herself from the other candidates in not only what she said she will do but what she has already done. She is a fighter and someone that we will be able to count on in Congress. She understands that improving transportation and infrastructure will help to create economic development opportunities and in turn jobs.
As we near the June 1 Primary, Shelia needs your support. if you like what you have learned about her candidacy to become the first African American Congresswoman from Alabama
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