So, KNS has had at least two articles about these white candidates that are residents of District 6 that are certified candidates for City Council. One of their columnists, liberal Theotis Robinson has authored and been published twice about such prospects of a non black aka white Council member. Now today Georgiana Vines has a column about the prospect.
There have been comments published about how the district was drawn to have Knoxville’s minority representative. Is that reverse redlining (an act illegal for realtors)?
Apparently those pesky land speculators that built condominiums and housing units in Downtown Knoxville were unaware of the requirement that a minority (non white) city council member was mandatory for District 6. It seems that since the four white (non black) candidates are female then there is a sexist issue here as well. Fortunately, there is an African American female in the race or Robinson, Vines and crew would just be rallying for a group of African American men.
Why didn’t Knox News, Robinson or Vines contact Jennifer Montgomery, Brandy Slaybaugh, Shawnee Rios or Kennie Riffey before they invested time, energy and spent their own and other peoples money to campaign. Did Knox News Sentinel solicit the 4 ladies advertising?
My bottom line, is let the voters decide without the saber rattling about the color of someone’s skin. I recall when I was in school about 35 years ago learning about an August 28, 1963 (three years before I was born) speech in Washington, DC that said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” It seems that day is still NOT here in Knoxville, TN. It seems that Robinson, Vines and KNS have judged Montgomery, Slaybaugh, Rios and Riffey by the color of their skin NOT by the content of their character. A sad day for a publication that use to boast of shining the light and helping the people find their way.
It is also interesting to note that the day after the 54th Anniversary of that speech, the District 6 Primary Election will be held. Will Knoxville stay in the same era as 54 years ago? Clearly it appears that the KNS hopes so.
Jennifer Montgomery at a Knoxville City Council District 6 Meet and Greet
Brandy Slaybaugh at a Knoxville City Council District 6 Meet and Greet
Shawnee Rios at a Knoxville City Council District 6 Meet and Greet
Kennie Riffey at a Knoxville City Council District 6 Meet and Greet
