Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Election Day: Savannah, Georgia 1948"
Introduction The Moth, hosted by Dan Kennedy, presents a compelling narrative by Juliette Holmes that intertwines personal legacy with the broader historical context of voting rights in the United States. This episode, titled "Election Day: Savannah, Georgia 1948," was released on November 8, 2016, and offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the struggles and triumphs surrounding the right to vote.
Juliette Holmes: A Legacy of Voting Juliette begins by painting a vivid picture of her upbringing in Savannah, Georgia, emphasizing the deep-rooted traditions shared with her mother. She recounts a poignant moment that underscores the significance of voting in her family's life.
"Every time I go into the bathroom to freshen up and get myself ready for that day, I thank God that I can vote. I can remember when I could not vote." [02:18]
This ritual, symbolized by the peach-shaped "I voted" stickers adorning her mother's medicine cabinet, serves as a daily reminder of the hard-fought right to participate in democracy.
Historical Context: Overcoming Voting Barriers Juliette delves into the discriminatory barriers her parents faced when attempting to vote. Despite being property owners and ostensibly qualified under the poll tax law, they were subjected to rigorous and often arbitrary literacy tests designed to disenfranchise African American voters.
"How many jelly beans are in this jar? How many bubbles was in this bar of soap?" [03:00]
These questions were intentionally convoluted, ensuring that only those with legal expertise could pass, thereby excluding many deserving voters. Her father's initial failure at the poll, followed by the support of W.W. Law and the NAACP, highlights the systemic obstacles prevalent in 1948 Savannah.
The Day of the Election: 1948 Determined to cast their votes, Juliette narrates the harrowing experience her parents endured on Election Day. Multiple trips to the courthouse, encounters with uncooperative clerks, and the relentless supervision by poll watchers mirror the widespread voter suppression tactics of the era.
"A woman looked in the book. And she says, I don't see your name in the book... We moved to the east side." [05:45]
Despite these challenges, the intervention of a poll watcher from the NAACP ultimately facilitated their successful vote, cementing a legacy of perseverance and civic duty within Juliette's family.
Personal Reflections: The 2008 Election Juliette transitions to her own voting experience during the historic 2008 presidential election. Facing personal challenges, her husband Cleve's Parkinson's disease posed significant obstacles to casting his vote. Juliette's determination led them to the polling site, where Cleve confronted a debilitating moment of paralysis.
"What am I going to do? Because he could stand like that five minutes, 10, 15, 20, until he was able to move." [11:15]
In a heartwarming turn, two young African American men assisted Cleve, embodying the same spirit of support and resilience that her parents benefitted from decades earlier.
"Those young men picked my husband up, took him to the machine... and he was able to pull the lever, stayed in, opened it and looked at me, 'Honey, I voted.'" [14:30]
Their efforts ensured that Cleve's vote was counted, allowing Juliette to participate in the election of America's first Black president, a momentous occasion that resonated deeply within her family.
Legacy and Continuation The culmination of Juliette's story emphasizes the intergenerational impact of voting rights. Her mother's instructions to "register to vote" as a fundamental right, not a gift, have been instilled in Juliette and are now being passed down to her granddaughters.
"Voting is not a gift, it's a right. That was a legacy that she gave to me and I'm passing it on to my granddaughters now." [16:00]
The preservation of "I voted" stickers symbolizes the ongoing commitment to civic engagement and the recognition of voting as a cherished privilege earned through struggle and sacrifice.
Conclusion Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by highlighting Juliette Holmes's contributions as an educator and storyteller. He invites listeners to engage with The Moth community by sharing their own Election Day experiences and continuing the legacy of voter participation.
Juliette Holmes's narrative is a powerful testament to the enduring fight for voting rights and the personal sacrifices made to ensure that every vote counts. Her story not only honors her parents' resilience but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to uphold and cherish their democratic rights.
Key Takeaways:
- Historical Struggles: The significant obstacles faced by African American voters in the mid-20th century, including literacy tests and poll taxes.
- Personal Resilience: The unwavering determination of Juliette's parents to exercise their right to vote despite systemic barriers.
- Community Support: The essential role of activists and community members in safeguarding voting rights.
- Intergenerational Legacy: The importance of passing down the value of voting as a fundamental right to future generations.
Notable Quotes:
- "I can remember when I could not vote." – Juliette Holmes [02:18]
- "How many jelly beans are in this jar? How many bubbles was in this bar of soap?" – Juliette Holmes [03:00]
- "What am I going to do? Because he could stand like that five minutes, 10, 15, 20, until he was able to move." – Juliette Holmes [11:15]
- "Voting is not a gift, it's a right." – Juliette Holmes [16:00]
Further Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to visit themoth.org to view photos of Juliette at member shows and to explore her collection of "I Voted" stickers. The Moth also invites audience participation through social media platforms, fostering a community dedicated to sharing and preserving personal stories.
This summary encapsulates the essence of Juliette Holmes's story on The Moth podcast, highlighting the historical context, personal anecdotes, and enduring message of the importance of voting rights.