Everson Dons Wristbands at Swear-in

Everson oath makes history

By DUANE D. STANFORD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/06/05
Melvin Everson put his hand on his mother’s Bible Wednesday and made history.

The 47-year-old Snellville probation officer stood before more than 100 well-wishers in the state House chambers and took the oath of office as the body’s newest member.

Everson is the first black Republican in more than a century to be elected to the state Legislature in a contested race. Everson joins state Rep. Willie Talton (R-Warner Robins), the only other black Republican in the Legislature. Talton ran unopposed in 2004.

Black and white Republicans agreed Everson’s win represents a sea change in their party.

“It gives black Americans a different opportunity,” said William E. Jones, chairman of the Cobb County Black Republican Council.

State House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) said Everson’s special-election victory last week proved that a majority white district can look beyond race and focus on issues.

“It’s proof the Republican Party has its arms wide open,” Richardson said.

Everson, a former Snellville city councilman, beat out two white Republicans for the House District 106 seat, winning last week’s runoff election by just 27 votes. At least 90 percent of the voting-age population in the Gwinnett County district is white, Everson’s consultant said.

During his campaign, Everson didn’t publicly acknowledge he could make history. Republicans said race was irrelevant, pointing out Everson won on a strong conservative platform.

During Wednesday’s swearing in, Everson wore two rubber bracelets — a red pro-life band, and a purple band for breast cancer awareness.

Everson promised during his campaign to get tough on illegal immigrants by denying them state-funded services. Everson also said he would help strengthen education and keep taxes low, classic GOP issues.

Republican leaders said Wednesday they don’t believe Everson’s win was a fluke. Jones said the GOP’s entrepreneurial message and roots in the church will continue to attract young blacks — especially with someone like Everson leading the way.

After a simple, “I do,” Everson held his wife of 24 years, Gerri, in a long embrace as the room rose to its feet.

“Glory to God and his son, Jesus,” said Everson, an associate pastor, getting back a few amens from the audience.

Everson then recalled his first bid for the Snellville council in 1995. He lost, getting just 26 percent of the vote.

“But it felt good,” he said, “because I was a part of the process.”