MACON — Mayor-elect Freddie Lee Poindexter, Jr. is set to take office as Macon’s first Black mayor July 1, after receiving 432 votes to Lillian Gillespie’s 376 in the April 22 runoff election.
Reflecting on this milestone, Poindexter, who ran as a Democrat, said he was unsure of how to feel.
“I don’t really know how I feel right now, but I feel like it’s something that’s big here in our city because the city has never had a Black mayor,” Poindexter said. “It feels good. I think I’m just at a loss for words when it comes to that part.”
Poindexter, who served as director of Macon’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2024, also serves as president of the Noxubee County High School Alumni Association and general manager of the Noxubee Titans youth sports group.
Considering his extensive community involvement, Poindexter said he felt he was already “doing the work” of mayor, leading to his decision to run.
“When I say I’m already doing the work, I’m already in the community,” Poindexter said. “I’m already dealing with the youth in that aspect … When it comes to homecoming festivities, the parades and all of that, I’m the one that coordinates all of that to bring our alumni home … I’m working with various organizations that are already doing community activities.”
Safety will be Poindexter’s first priority once in office, particularly addressing youth crime. Poindexter plans to increase police presence within the city and, from there, enhance youth recreational programs.
“We’re going to make sure police presence is very heavy in the community, and once we establish that, then we’ll look at our recreational programs and getting our parks open,” Poindexter said. “… I think that’s the problem we’re facing right now. There is no area for kids to just be kids, and that’s what we want to create.”
Poindexter also plans to work closely with local organizations to achieve common goals.
“I want to hear from different people, different organizations and the things they want to see happen here to see how we can work together to achieve those goals,” Poindexter said.
Poindexter said his vision for Macon’s future centers around unity.
“I really want to create a community where we’re all working together,” Poindexter said. “There’s been this division of black and white, and I’m not a person like that. I’m a person who believes everyone should be involved when it comes to growing a city. I’m really just trying to create unity.”
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