City of Gastonia Mayor, Richard Franks, went on an unhinged, abusive rant in the city’s most recent council meeting on 2/18/25.  His verbal assault was directed at Councilwoman Donyel Barber.  Donyel was elected in 2019 and is the first Black woman to serve on Gastonia’s City Council.  She was reelected in 2023 and is currently serving her second term, representing Ward 6.   As a resident of Ward 6, I can say that Donyel has served the people of Gastonia with compassion, strength, integrity, and class.  This is shown in her reaction to the mayor’s public, verbal assault directed at her. She remained calm and professional and stood her ground, despite the mayor’s disrespect and attempt to have her removed from the meeting.  I have posted a link below to the city council meeting. The exchange begins around the 2:48 mark. 

This petition is demanding:

 (1) A written apology from Mayor Franks to Councilwoman Barber, that will be read by Mayor Franks during an upcoming city council meeting.   

(2) A vote by the city council to officially censure Mayor Franks for his unprofessional, abusive behavior.   

Please consider signing to hold Mayor Franks accountable. 

YOU MAY SEE SOMETHING ON THIS PETITION ASKING FOR A CONTRIBUTION  THIS IS NOT A CONTRIBUTION FOR DONYEL, IT GOES TO CHANGE.ORG.  DONYEL DOESN’T RECEIVE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THIS PETITION  

https://cityofgastonia.granicus.com/player/clip/947?view_id=1&redirect=true