DuPree’s bid uphill for gov’s mansion
I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I had a chance,” said DuPree, 57, following an informal gathering at Koinonia Coffee House. “I actually believe the citizens will make a thoughtful choice.”
In recent months, he has visited half of the counties in the state – talking to groups big and small to get his name out there.
In recent years, Mississippi has been a leader in the number of black elected officials, but no African American has been able to seize a statewide office since Reconstruction.
According to the most recent U.S. Census figures, African Americans make up about 37.1 percent of Mississippi’s population – more than any other state. Still, a black candidate like DuPree would have to appeal to a broad base of white voters across the state to get elected.
Civil rights activist and former Fayette Mayor Charles Evers, who was the last serious black candidate for governor in modern history, said he thinks an African American could be elected to the top statewide office under the right circumstances.
Clarion Ledger
12/11/10
Magnolia Tribune
