Former Macon mayor questions diversity after Audi plant announcement
C. Jack Ellis says local residents, colleges and businesses should have opportunities to benefit from the planned Peach County plant.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis is questioning the lack of racial diversity in a photo announcing Audi’s planned manufacturing plant in Peach County, while calling for local residents and businesses to benefit from the project.
Ellis says he was concerned that no people of color were included in the announcement photo. He believes the image did not represent the diversity of the region.
“When I saw the picture of the people welcoming, making the announcement about the Audi plant coming here, I didn’t see one person of color,” he said. “I didn’t see any diversity. And we want to make sure that that’s not the message that we are sending to the world.”
Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick addressed questions about the photo in a statement Tuesday. She explained that no local city leaders are members of the Middle Georgia Joint Development Authority, which is why municipal officials were not represented in the photo.
Wednesday, Ellis pointed to Bibb, Houston and Peach counties, which have a combined African American population of about 47%, according to his remarks. He wants state and local leaders to work with Audi to ensure residents have opportunities to benefit from the project.
Ellis also called for local colleges and universities to help prepare students for jobs at the plant. He identified Fort Valley State University, Mercer University and Central Georgia Technical College as potential partners in preparing students for the facility’s workforce needs.
In addition to employment opportunities, Ellis said he hopes local businesses will have opportunities to secure contracts for goods and services.
Despite his concerns about representation in the announcement, Ellis made clear he welcomes Audi to Middle Georgia and wants the company to succeed. He said he hopes the company will represent the region’s diversity as it establishes its presence in Middle Georgia.
