The Hanover County Democratic Committee condemns the disrespectful words directed at a charitable community leader. As reported in the Richmond Times Dispatch, an appointed official characterized the actions of the chair of the NAACP as words from “an angry African American lady.” That statement was rude, harmful and completely disrespectful.
In order to have civil conversations, we demand that our elected and appointed professionals behave in a manner that is respectful to and inclusive of ALL of our community members. Our choice of religion or non-religion, our zip code, our level of melatonin, our gender and everything else that makes us unique should not be a point of conversation as an excuse to exclude our words.
As a point of reference, the harm that calling the chair of the NAACP “an angry African American lady” is multi-faceted. First, it dismisses the efforts of the NAACP chair. She DID NOT raise her voice, she DID NOT say mean words, and she DID NOT do or say or write anything that could be labeled as “angry.” Second, why does it matter if she is African American? He could have identified her as the chair of the NAACP or a citizen who has children and grandchildren in our community. Thus, it calls to question: Why did the Honorable John Redd call her an “African American.” Third, why did he use the word “lady?” Does her gender identity play a role in how he makes decisions?
It took great courage for Pat Jordan to bring public attention to gender, race and cultural issues to the members of the Hanover County School Board. For a public figure to dismiss her courage as words of “an Angry African American lady” has the potential to strike fear into anyone who is already disenfranchised. We need more people to share their experiences. But, when leaders use words like Mr. Redd used, it discourages civil discourse.
The Hanover County Democratic Committee is committed to getting high-quality people elected to government offices where they can make a positive impact on ALL of our lives! We need leaders who care about ALL of us. We need leadership that is respectful of EVERYONE.
At the very least, Pat Jordan, chair of the Hanover NAACP, deserves a public apology and public explanation for what was intended by those painful words.
