The woke ones always let you down . . .

Winston, Winston,  Winston . . .

Jessica Davis 

Last week Charlotte's revolutionary city councilmember showed the city and all the Black women across the Queen City that the misogynoir is strong in this one. 

It's clear that Charlotte's establishment is afraid of Jessica Davis, who is Black, brilliant and full of fresh ideas that would:  take the shine off a mayor that may or may not be purchased by developers, a city councilman who's claim to fame is getting arrested and going viral and the old guard who hasn't had a fresh idea since Cash Money took over for the 99 and 2000s. 

If you don't support Black women and elevate Black women, you aren't pro Black. Full stop. 

Some Black folks don't throw up the power fist for Black women

And if you don't do your job on city council, maybe it is time for you to go. You can't change a system when you block people from participating. Braxton Winston said about abstaining from his vote to have Davis fill the at large seat left vacant by former city councilman James Mitchell, who resigned earlier due to a new job, that because Davis lost in the 2019 primary to District 2 rep Malcolm Graham that he wouldn't vote for her. 

To be fair he didn't vote for the eventual pick, Greg Phipps, stating that Phipps didn't address the council before the vote or whatever, according to media reports. But it was his dig at Davis that did it for me. People lose elections and then turn around and win them. Ever heard of this guy named Barack Obama?

The betrayal of the Charlotte City Council vote runs deeper than petty Winston, though. 

According to WSOC TV: 

Mitchell shared his recommendation to councilmembers and Mayor Vi Lyles through email.

“Jessica has an understanding of how city government works. Jessica is a team player and passionate about helping to improve the lives of our citizens,” Mitchell wrote. “If Jessica is fortunate to receive your vote, I’m confident she will be 100% committed.”

Historically council has appointed the person the outgoing member recommends. Malcolm Graham recommended Greg Phipps, Patsy Kinsey recommended Billy Maddalon, John Autry recommended Dimple Ajmera and Al Austin recommended Carlenia Ivory.

So, what was different about Jessica Davis? Why wouldn't Mitchell's endorsement be enough as it had been in the past when other former council members did the same thing? Looking at Charlotte's mayor and shaking my head. 

Lyles had the tie breaking vote. 

She did what has been doing since she was elected mayor, she let us down.  

Why is Charlotte afraid of Jessica Davis? Is it that this city is used to lackluster leadership from women and seeing a woman rise to power who can make a difference causes the status quo to shiver in their boxers? 

Is Charlotte afraid of a Black woman who is smart, unbossed and not for sale? 

Do all the people in the city claiming to support women like Keisha Lance Bottoms, Stacey Abrams and Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, only want to see qualified and smart Black women lead other cities? 

I'm asking for all the little Black girls who watch Black male leadership in their city turn their back on them. . . .

In response to the vote Monday, Mayor Lyles released the following statement: 

"To the 143 people who took the time to apply and contact us, I remind you that filing opens in July and I encourage your continued participation in the electoral process. This was a difficult decision. As the former budget director and as the Mayor, it is essential we have someone who understands our city budget and is able to move quickly to navigate the budget process. We have our first budget workshop on Wednesday and without a solid financial foundation, we can’t create the programs and services that are essential to our citizens – particularly during this time. Jessica Davis will continue to be someone willing to serve this community and I am encouraged by her willingness to participate in the process. I hope that everyone in our community will recognize both of them as true servant leaders." 

Y'all's mayor is up for reelection too, IJS.