District 4 City Council Member Carday Marshall distinguished himself last week by engaging directly with the concerns of his constituents in the NAACP forum. His presence was noteworthy, especially as he was the only candidate for re-election in next month’s city elections who chose to participate.
Such commitment to transparency and accountability deserves commendation, particularly in an era where too many officials shy away from tough, substantive discussions on issues affecting the poor and minorities.
The NAACP forum, expertly orchestrated under the leadership of NAACP President Rev. Ambrose Douzart, serves a dual purpose: it allows incumbents to defend their records and challengers to articulate their plans. This event stands out because it provides candidates with questions in advance, focusing solely on these prepared queries, which revolve around significant positions held by incumbents or the visions of aspiring candidates.
However, it’s disheartening that, prior to each election, some candidates choose to bypass this vital forum.
Last year, newly elected sheriff Marc Mashaw, snubbed the forum. This year, District 2 city council member Gretchen Ezernak, both advised by the same campaign manager Eric Mahaffey, opted out of appearing before the Black community. Their absence, particularly in a district like District 2, which is roughly 50% African-American, sends a disconcerting message about their willingness to engage with all segments of their electorate.
Furthermore, Mayor Friday Ellis’s continued absence from NAACP events, citing scheduling conflicts, raises questions about his commitment to engaging with key community stakeholders, especially the African-American community, which forms the majority of the city’s population.
President Douzart said the mayor has snubbed all NAACP events during his tenure, always citing scheduling conflicts.
Embattled councilwoman Kema Dawson and one of her opponents, Carolyn Goodin, both backed out after they received the NAACP questions in advance.
The actions of these individuals contrast sharply with those of Marshall and former Mayor Jamie Mayo, who not only participated in the forum but also demonstrated a rare willingness to critically assess their own records in office.
Both Marshall and Mayo handled tough issues before them. Mayo, although not criticized at the forum, admitted that during his term there were many things he should have done but didn’t; he apologized for his failures.
Such candidness and openness to scrutiny are essential qualities for public servants, reflecting a genuine commitment to serving the best interests of their constituents.
The NAACP forum is indeed a litmus test for those seeking to earn or retain the trust of the African-American community. It is a hard-hitting but fair venue for public discourse, and avoidance of it speaks volumes. To ignore the NAACP and, by extension, the Black community, is a snub that resonates far beyond a single election.
At best, it is a missed opportunity.
At its worst, it is a snub that is hard to forget.
