Love Enforcement: How Fannie Lou Hamer’s Courage Inspires My Campaign for Sheriff

I’m excited to share with you an incredible opportunity this

Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm (ET). I’ve been invited to

perform my One Woman Show, Fannie Lou Hamer: Voices of

Courage, on the front porch of the Matheson History Museum in

Gainesville, Florida. I’d love for you to join us. Bring your lawn

chair, and more importantly, bring an open heart to hear the story

of a brave Mississippi sharecropper who was jailed and beaten for

teaching poor African Americans how to register to vote. At that

time, many didn’t even know they had the right to vote.

Mrs. Hamer’s courageous voice is just as vital today. She led with

love and compassion, even toward those who persecuted her.

One of her most powerful statements that resonates with me is, “I

don’t hate you because you hate me. If I do, I’m no better than

you. I love you, and love is the only thing that can save us now.”

That message of love and unity stayed with me this past weekend

during a Vision Board Workshop with a diverse group of women

and my six-year-old grandson. Despite our differences in race,

age, and sexual orientation, we were united by a spirit of love. On

my Vision Board, I placed the word “Peace” at the top and spelled

out “Love Enforcement” along the edges. Imagine if we all lived by

a personal policy of "Love Enforcement" guiding our actions.

Fannie Lou Hamer’s front porch became a gathering place for

hundreds of college students - Black and White - who sacrificed

their time, and sometimes their lives, to participate in the 1964

Freedom Summer Project in Mississippi. Her love and

determination inspired generations, and as we push forward in

this campaign, I carry her spirit of Love Enforcement with me.

I’m committed to serving as your next Alachua County Sheriff with

the same spirit of love, healing, and justice. Sustainable

leadership goes beyond law enforcement - it’s about healing and

building thriving communities. Mrs. Hamer’s story reminds us that

love can melt hate and divisiveness.

I hope to see you this Saturday, on the lawn of the Matheson

Museum for an afternoon of powerful storytelling. Let’s continue to

build a community rooted in peace and love for a safer, more

secure Alachua County for ALL.