Gordon’s youngest residents march to see change in their community

GORDON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Some of Gordon’s youngest residents are taking their message of change to the streets. Nearly 20 teenagers and preteens marched through the city’s downtown area because they want more youth activities and progress.

“Kids need jobs and kids need money,” says 15-year-old Iyanna Pearson.

Pearson was able to get other teenagers to rally around the idea of marching to get the attention of adults.

“Kids in Gordon need better things to do such as park-wise, skating-wise, and pool-wise. It’s hot in the summer and we need a pool to swim in,” says Pearson. “As you look around in the city there’s nothing here and kids want places to go.”

The Wilkinson County High School student pointed out if they want to have fun, they have to go to nearby communities, including Milledgeville and Warner Robins.

Residents say the city has become stagnant over the years compared to nearby counties.

“I noticed in Jones County it’s a big difference. When I say a big difference, I mean you can see the change,” explained Pamela Reaves. “But Gordon, I been here all my life, and there’s no change.”

The group marched down Main Street to bring awareness to city, county and community leaders to encourage them to have more economic development.

“I’m a Gordonite,” says the city’s mayor, Mary Whipple-Lue. “I was reared here, born here and for the amount of years I’ve been here and existed on this earth, there’s absolutely nothing evolving around our children. What type of legacy are we leaving for the children? What they’ve elected me to do is to be their leader and find these avenues, find the resources.”

Pearson says she and other teens are looking forward to doing it again until they see change.

“I sat in the room one day and I just thought about what’s all in Gordon and I couldn’t come up with anything,” added Pearson.

If you would like more information about how you can help to bring economic development to the city of Gordon, you can call the Gordon Mayor at city hall, (478) 628-2222.