A candidate for Marion Board of Aldermen is facing backlash after a video surfaced on social media Saturday showing her repeatedly yelling racist slurs.

 

Rita Rawson, who works as an OBGYN nurse in Meridian, has previously served as an alderman in Marion and is running for the office again in this year’s municipal elections. She is set to appear on the ballot on June 3.

 

The majority of Marion’s approximately 1,750 residents are Black. Rawson is White.

 

In a statement posted to social media, Mayor Larry Gill called on Rawson to withdraw from the alderman race.

 

“In the town of Marion, there’s no place for racism, bigotry, nor prejudiced behavior, especially from people who seek to serve our community,” Gill said. “Standing on these principles, I am calling for Mrs. Rita Rawson to immediately withdraw from the incoming alderman’s race.”

 

Koredé Stennis, who is also running for one of Marion’s five alderman seats, said Rawson’s comments cannot be excused and also called on her to withdraw.

 

“Marion deserves leadership rooted in respect, inclusion and integrity—not in prejudice or hate. Our city cannot move forward with leaders who harbor harmful beliefs in their hearts,” Stennis said. “This moment is about more than politics. It’s about who we are as a community and what kind of future we are building together.”

 

Repeated attempts to reach Rawson for comment were not successful.