Perry ends ban on alumni group as NAACP calls for accountability

City officials met with the Perry High Alumni Group and agreed on resolutions, though the NAACP is pushing for clearer accountability and policy consistency.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Perry has lifted a ban on the Perry High Alumni Group and event organizer Kirenski Wilkerson following concerns over a previously prohibited event.

City officials say they met with representatives of the alumni group on November 24. According to the city, issues were discussed, resolutions were agreed upon, and all parties were satisfied with the outcome.

The Houston County NAACP held a news conference Tuesday to address the situation, calling for accountability for the official who originally imposed the ban.

“You don’t just outright ban someone,” Houston County NAACP President Jonathan Johnson said. “I mean, he’s a citizen.”

Johnson says the organization wants to ensure city officials follow fair and consistent policies for all community members.

“Whoever has banned him in the first place needs to be written up, or face some kind of disciplinary action about how they are going to handle this in the future,” Johnson added.

Wilkerson attended the news conference alongside the NAACP. While the ban has been lifted, the group can no longer use Heritage Oaks Park. The city offered Rozar Park as an alternative.

“During our meeting, it was disclosed to me that to move forward we could do it at Rozar Park, only because the city feels like there is more parking space there and they are willing to work with us at that park,” Wilkerson said. “I don’t necessarily agree with it because I feel like if we could work there, we could also work out things at Heritage Park.”

Wilkerson says he wants the event to be remembered positively by the community.

“I don’t want that painted picture that’s already been painted to continue to be negative about the event,” he said. “I just want to move forward.”

Wilkerson and the NAACP say they will continue to work with the city to ensure everyone remains on the same page going forward.