The Southern Truth: Michael Cathey Is the Best Candidate for Senatobia Ward-3 and He Needs Residents’ Votes to Prove It

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

Senatobia, Mississippi, the County Seat of Tate County, holds a deep and rich history—especially in Ward-3, known as New Town. This community, built on the sacrifices and resilience of Black families, has thrived for generations. The legacy of Big Mama, daddy, mama, Aunt Juanita, Mama Laura, Ms. Ernestine, Ms. Viola Taylor, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Dewitt, Ms. Zola,  Ms. Rosa Lee, Cousin Idell, Cousin Brent, and so many more, is woven into the very fabric of this town. We grew up surrounded by love, unity, and a strong sense of community. From Ms. Janie Mae’s store to New Ford Church, where the gospel rang loud and clear, we were raised with values of respect, hard work, and looking out for one another.

But today, something isn’t right in New Town. Forces are working behind the scenes to dismantle what our ancestors built, and if we do not stand up now, we risk losing everything. This is why the upcoming Ward-3 Alderman election on April 1, 2025, is crucial.

Michael Cathey is the candidate who will fight for New Town and its residents. He has faced criticism, and yes, he has made mistakes—who hasn’t? But mistakes do not define a person’s potential to lead and to protect our community. Some say he is “uppity” or that “he only comes around during election time.” But let’s look beyond the talk and focus on the facts. Michael Cathey has the knowledge, experience, and passion to stand against the forces of gentrification and eminent domain that threaten to push Black families out of their own neighborhood.

His opponent, Allen Tanksley, may seem generous, offering Thanksgiving baskets and school backpacks, but we must ask—who is really funding these efforts? Who is behind his campaign, and what is their ultimate goal? The answer lies in the city’s comprehensive plan, which makes clear that certain areas—like Scott Street—are being targeted for industrial development. This is not just a theory; it is a fact. Scott Street is just the beginning—if it falls, what area is next? Will it be your home, your church, or your family’s land? The wrong leadership will open the door for outsiders to claim what belongs to the hardworking Black families of New Town.

A vote against Michael Cathey is a vote against the very essence of our community. It is a vote that weakens the foundation that our ancestors built with their sweat, tears, and unbreakable spirit. New Town must remain a thriving, Black-led community where families can live, work, and grow without the looming threat of displacement. We cannot afford to make the wrong choice.

On April 1, 2025, I urge every voter in Ward-3 to take a stand. Vote for Michael Cathey and protect the legacy of New Town. This is not just an election—it is a fight for our future. The power is in your hands. Let’s honor our past and secure our future by making the right choice. Vote Michael Cathey for Alderman of Senatobia Ward-3.

Our history depends on it. Our future demands it.

Vote on April 1st—Stand for New Town!