Response To Trail Maids Controversy

Statement From Mobile County Commission

"We are extremely disappointed that the head of the Alabama NAACP has chosen to criticize the inclusion of Mobile’s Azalea Trail Maids in the upcoming presidential inauguration.

The Trail Maids have been ambassadors for Mobile County for almost 60 years. Competition to become a Trail Maid is extremely selective with only the brightest, most accomplished girls being chosen.

Over the years, the Trail Maids have helped welcome presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and other VIPs to Mobile. They have represented Mobile County across the nation at celebrated events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and at Presidential Inaugurations in 1985, and 2005.

The Trail Maids do not represent the Confederacy or antebellum times but reflect the beauty of Mobile and its 300-plus years of fascinating history.

Mobile is one of the country’s fastest growing areas in terms of economic development. This would not be possible if the community were divided. Mobile is a place that strives to be inclusive and represent the needs of all citizens. The City of Mobile has a majority white population but has a popular African-American mayor. Local governments, civic, and cultural organizations represent the diversity of our population.

22% of the current Trail Maids are minority. How sad it would be if these girls especially were denied the opportunity to witness history as Barack Obama is inaugurated as our 44th president.

The Mobile County Commission has supported the Azalea Trail Maids for the last four years with a $5,000 annual appropriation. We are proud to have these gracious young ladies represent Mobile County."

Mike Dean – Mobile County Commission President
Merceria Ludgood – Mobile County Commissioner
Stephen Nodine – Mobile County Commissioner