‘Don't Forget About Us’: Woman Reflects on Columbus Politics Through the Years

By Janell Williams

Delia Fitzgerald, a lifelong resident of Columbus, has witnessed her hometown transform over the decades—from a tightly knit neighborhood culture surviving segregation to a rapidly developing city with evolving political dynamics.

Fitzgerald describes a complex history of displacement, where community neighborhoods were systematically transformed by urban development projects, often forcing Black families to relocate and fracturing established social networks.

"There used to be homes for blacks where Mildred Terry Library is," Fitzgerald said. "We (the community) wanted that library, but no one knew it would cost so many people their homes. Friends had to separate and go to different schools, people had to move to areas they couldn't even afford."

Fitzgerald recalled being allowed to continue attending Fifth Avenue School—one of only three schools accepting African American students at the time—but losing many friends in the process.

“It was like they gave us the library to run us away,” she said. “Everyone and everything I knew was separated; and yes, I still went to the library and enjoyed it, but I lost my friends.”

Fitzgerald recalled growing up and seeing her father, Charlie "Jug" Richardson, and others run successful Black businesses, but she says the support from her own people was never really there.

"My daddy was a hard-working and good guy. Everyone knew if they needed help they could call Mr. Jug. He had a restaurant on 8th Street. That was when Columbus was a big thing with soldiers and the whole deal," she said.

Richardson later had the idea to open a grocery store next to his thriving restaurant. Before long, he was a huge and successful hit within the community.

"We had lots of people coming to see us, but the people who told us the most that his businesses would not make it or that our prices were too high to support were other black people, "she said. "There was always somebody complaining, asking for a discount or trying to buy something and just have a credit on it, but my dad wouldn't worry about it. He knew there were kids around who needed food. That's just the guy he was."

Fitzgerald says she sees similar patterns today.

“It all depends on how well the community sticks together. People don’t unite and talk like they used to,” Fitzgerald said. “It makes me think of all those years ago. If Blacks had the education and knowledge they have now, we could’ve come together against politicians tearing apart communities the way they did. Today people do not stick together; they don't support each other anymore.”

Fitzgerald didn’t mince words when speaking about today’s political landscape, particularly her frustrations with Black elected officials.

“Don’t forget about us! We went out and voted for you, but now you don’t even know us anymore and know nothing about our neighborhoods,” she said, pointing to a growing disconnect between political leadership and the communities they represent.

The conversation revealed ongoing challenges in Columbus—including limited economic opportunities, persistent segregation, and a need for more supportive infrastructure for Black-owned businesses.

As Columbus continues to evolve, Fitzgerald hopes to see increased unity, political accountability and genuine investment in neighborhood development.