Full Breakdown
Atlanta Clergy Threaten Boycott Over Rick Jackson Campaign Ad
By Drooid · · How we work
The Boycott Threat Over a Campaign Ad
A coalition of Atlanta clergy and civil-rights groups announced they will boycott local television and radio stations that air a Rick Jackson campaign commercial that references the 2020 killing of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner. The coalition, which includes the Concerned Black Clergy, the NAACP, the Save Our City Coalition and Turner-family attorneys, gathered in Buckhead to demand that broadcasters pull the spot immediately. Organizers chanted “Take it down!” and warned stations that they will face a media boycott if the ad remains on the air.
Background: Secoriea Turner’s 2020 Killing
Secoriea Turner was shot and killed by armed vigilantes in 2020 while Atlanta was under the administration of former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Community leaders have long criticized the city’s response to the incident, arguing that the administration failed to maintain public order. The Jackson ad revisits the tragedy, prompting families and advocates to describe the message as exploitative.
Official Statements & Responses
Rev. Shanan W. Rev. Wendy Torres of the Save Our City Coalition highlighted the emotional toll on Turner’s mother, describing the ad as “unconscionable.” Family attorney Shean Williams condemned the strategy as theft of the family’s pain for political gain. The Rick Jackson campaign has not issued a public response, and station operators have not indicated whether they will seek guidance from the Federal Communications Commission. FCC regulations prohibit broadcasters from censoring or rejecting political ads submitted by qualified candidates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is unconscionable to think about this woman and her family sitting in her home and she can not even watch television for the fear that she may hear her own voice screaming over her child,” — Rev. Wendy Torres
- “The only thing he has done is stolen their image , their pain their tragedy and he has used it for his political gain,” — Shean Williams, family attorney
