Stereotypes and the Battle Over Black Leadership

Posted Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Embed Audio

Download MP3

An editorial cartoon on the front page of the Call & Post depicting a Black politician as Aunt Jemima has created an uproar. This all stems from State Senator Nina Turner's support of Issue 6--the county reform measure--a stance that put her in opposition to the old guard black leadership. Beyond the obvious issues of taste, this points to some deep fissures among leaders in the local Black community. Wednesday morning at 9, join us for a conversation about what's actually going on here.

Guests

Jason Johnson, assistant professor, political science, Hiram College
Rev. Marvin McMickle, senior pastor, Antioch Baptist Church
Gary Norton, Mayor-elect, East Cleveland
Barbara Danforth, executive director, Greater Cleveland YWCA

Additional Information

During the show, a caller, Afi, challenged the mainstream media to better cover the issue of why so many in the Black community were so vocal and steadfast in their opposition to Cuyahoga County Issue 6, the county's new charter. That's a story ideastream reporter Dan Bobkoff produced in October.

Please follow our community discussion rules when composing your comments.

David G. Currie 12:57 AM 12/2/09

Aunt Jemima brings dishonor to a whole group of people.

Chief Wahoo is meant to honor a whole group of people.

Only in Cleveland.

candace 10:43 AM 12/2/09

why should an honest elected official put her race before her constituency? the scandal that engulfs us is so outrageous and goes beyond race lines.

let’s get real--the reason she gets blasted and is so offensive is not because she is black, but because she is a woman and DARES to go against the men who are in power. black, white, whatever. men will not give up their power and control and woe to the woman who dares to challenge that.

Rock on, Nina Turner.