Crystal Springs reacts to wedding controversy

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS (Mississippi News Now) - Charles Wilson has received mixed reaction since the WLBT story about his wedding controversy aired.

"I've had some to tell me that it's not a big deal, that we shouldn't have pushed it, that we'll open up a can of worms, that we should just really let it die down. But the other side of it is, those wonderful folks that have came to me and said I'm so happy that someone spoke up about it, come to our church."

Charles and his wife Te' Andrea had to change the location of their wedding after they were told some members didn't want the African-American couple to exchange vows at the predominately white First Baptist Church.

"Those who did it was wrong and those who knew they were wrong should have said something. We have yet to hear from anybody, besides Reverend Stan, from the church to say they're sorry," says Wilson.

Charles says he's had a difficult time explaining the situation to his kids.

He says even if it's a small portion of the congregation that didn't want the marriage to take place, Charles isn't sure who he can trust.

City leaders say they don't want the thoughts of a few to reflect all of Crystal Springs. That's one reason they'll host a "Unity Rally" at Railroad Park Monday night at 6 p.m.

Emotional at times, Mayor Sally Garland says the community will fight against the reported prejudice the Wilson's have faced.

"We're together loving each other and praying with each other and (this situation) can't define us. It's just not true. It's not who we are as a whole."

"I was taken by it. A little hurt by it, you know because I know in this time of 2012 that people still have those mentalities," recalls Crystal Springs Community Relations Director Jonathan Thompson.

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