Salman…
Unfortunately, equity or equality is still elusive for the Black man and women, although Black women have over the decades made significan t strdes in education and career, but this issue just goes to show we still have work to do to be recognize for the contributions we give to the community and society at large. It seems Best was qualified enough to presently head the police department, yet not enough to continue. I am not one to presume someones else’s state of mind, but the committee’s decision on this seems to have some type of motive. Not a good look in my humble opinion.
Shina…
Just another episode of the same story. Racial inequality is a characteristic of this nation. It is embedded in the fabric of this nation. I believe if she was qualified to be named interim then she should be qualified to be consider for the top position. The messege it sends is not a very positive one.
Charles Downing…
As I understand it, this committee made the decision, but I am curious as to why the Mayor dosen’t step up? The Mayor designated her interim chief so there must have been some sense of confidence in Best. But politics is what it is, the good ol’ boy system seems to be up and running still. I think Best’s presence at that position would give the community a sense of confidence that someone can lead with empathy.
Kaela…
Black leadership has always been evident and stifled in America. I would image Ms. Best is beyond qualified to be the top cop, I would imagine the community seeing a Black top cop would boost the confidence of the Black community tremendously. I don’t believe much would change in the area of police brutaltiy because those actions are based and judged on individual levels and it would take a lot of work on one person’s part to change the hearts of man. But by not putting her on the list means there is no message.
Jeromiah Vaughn…
The community would do well to see a Black chief of police in its efforts to better itself and heal itself. A Black chief of police cannot fix all of the problems of our community that resposnsibilty lies on the shoulders of the Black community particularly its men, but thats a different argument. Empathy is everything when it comes to leadership and dealing with the Black community. A Black leader can surely fit that bill, but anyone who is placed in that position must have some since of empathy for what the African American experience is like if they are going to be successful in the eyes of the Black community.
Zee…
Coming from Africa I am learning the African American experience. Most of what Africa sees is through the media and it is not a very positive impression. If this Carmen Best can do the job and the Mayor seemed to have thought so by making her interim police chief then by all means just based of that she should be automatically included in the conversation about the position. Whether or not her presence can make a difference in the community remains to be seen. The Black community in Seattle in diverse, it is not just African Americans, Africans, Asians all inhabit this community so whoever gets the job must show leadership equally to its people.
Photos/Aaron Allen
