According to the NAACP, the owner of the Georgia Peach on Buchanna Highway in Paulding County, Patrick Lanzo’s, is displaying a sign outside of his business which states, “Michael Jackson found Not Guilty because is a Nigger or Money?” The civil rights group says the sign is not only racist, but could harm race relations in Paulding County.

NAACP Regional Director, Charles L. White, Jr. said: “It is regrettable not only that Mr. Lanzo could display such a message, but also that there has been no criticism from the Pauling County business community.” The Douglas County NAACP and the Georgia State Conference have spoken with the local officials in Paulding County and are being told that the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office cannot do anything about this and that no crime has been committed.

Douglas County NAACP President, Kimberly Alexander went to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department to file an official compliant last night in Dallas, Georgia and was told that she could not file a complaint. In addition, the branch has contacted Sheriff Bruce Harris, County Commissioner Chair – Jerry Sherin, Speaker of the House – Glenn Richardson, and the local chamber of commerce. Right now, we are being told that this individual has not committed any crimes and they do not know of any county ordinance. Our phones are being blown up with complaints from the community.

The NAACP has recently reorganized in neighboring Douglas County and they are calling on local elected officials, the business community and persons of good will to express outrage to this action. Said, Lanzo’s actions points out the need for more intentional work in fostering positive race relations in the West Metro counties.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.