People were fed up with Jackie Johnson. The district attorney let the men who killed Ahmaud Arbery go unpunished for months! It’s been said she did it to “protect her friend,” who was one of Ahmaud’s killers. People didn’t take kindly to this – and took decisive action.
Voters went to the polls and ousted Jackie Johnson after what she did surrounding Ahmaud’s killings. One of the most important local victories in Georgia was the removal of Johson by a margin of 5,000 votes! Now there will be a new person in her place.
Former prosecutor Keith Higgins, who ran as an independent, won the election with the support of local organizing. Dwight Jordan, a local educator and activist, told the Washington Post people couldn’t afford to overlook local elections anymore. This is key.
What Jackie Johnson did happens around the country regularly. Prosecutors protect authorities and others who terrorize Black people. Many face no consequences and this can’t continue to go on. National elections aren’t the only races that people should watch.
When organized people come together with a common interest, we can accomplish a lot! Now is the time to build our movements up to the point that justice becomes non-negotiable. We have the power to change conditions – and Johnson’s ouster shows this!