In a decisive statement against extremism, the citizens of Enid, Oklahoma, cast their ballots to oust City Council member Judd Blevins due to his links with white nationalist groups, signaling a firm stance on the values the community stands for. Blevins, who had marched with neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, and led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa, was defeated by a nearly 20-point margin in a recall vote initiated by local activists and concerned citizens.
The groundswell of community action began in earnest after revelations of Blevins’ white nationalist affiliations surfaced, despite his denials of being a white supremacist. The former Marine and roofing business employee had attempted to align himself with the conservative rhetoric that propelled Donald Trump to presidency, but the Enid Social Justice Committee (ESJC) worked tirelessly to educate the public on Blevins’ past activities and ideology.
Enid’s commitment to rejecting hate was exemplified by Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher and longtime Republican, who stepped up to replace Blevins and restore a sense of “normalcy” to the city. Her campaign focused on uniting the community and reaffirming the city’s rejection of white nationalism. “The people are good,” Patterson said, expressing confidence that the election’s outcome would reflect Enid’s true character.
In a statement on the evening of the recall vote, Blevins acknowledged the contentious race as a trial for both himself and the community, concluding, “I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” He expressed no intention to run again, indicating a return to private life.
The recall effort was not just a local concern; it had caught national attention and put Enid in the uncomfortable spotlight of racial controversy. Voters expressed their relief at addressing Blevins’ past and ensuring that Enid would not be known for tolerating hate. One resident, Paul Martin, emphasized the importance of a candidate’s history and associations, signifying that the community’s values do matter.
The recall vote was not just a political exercise but a community-wide referendum on what Enid represents. It showed that when faced with the threat of extremism, a determined group of citizens could come together to defend the inclusivity and decency of their town. The success of the recall vote was a testament to the Enid community’s resolve to confront and overcome hate, setting an example for other communities facing similar challenges.
Relevant articles:
– Oklahoma official with white nationalist ties is ousted in recall vote
– Enid residents vote to remove city commissioner with ties to white nationalist groups, KOCO Oklahoma City, Wed, 03 Apr 2024 03:09:00 GMT
– Judson Blevins, City Councilman With Neo-Nazi Ties, Loses Recall Election, Yahoo Singapore News, Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:50:00 GMT
– Inside the fight to recall Oklahoma councilman with White nationalist ties, CNN, Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:35:53 GMT