Letter To The Editor: Demanding More Because We Know Better

If anything, decades of American opportunism, combined with vast opportunity to those who can access it, have resulted in two things in America; white supremacism; plus, mountains of researched knowledge dismantling it.

Where those in America with power used to pretend that science had their backs at the expense of
BIPOC and women, humanity can no longer justify such disgraces. The verdicts are in, and white
supremacy, as well as sexism, are viably bullshit.

And yet, one week after white supremacists stormed our Melting Pot’s capital, I watched in dismay as three sitting Democratic Councilmembers in Santa Monica attempted to delegitimize and take away the authority of a Black woman in power, and replace her with a white man.

The following is my recount of what happened:

On Jan. 12, in one of the most progressive states in the country, you will find me in Santa Monica; beautiful, entitled, and drenched in white privilege.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Santa Monica. It’s because I love this city that I feel a responsibility to call it on its crap when I see it.

As Tuesday folds into Wednesday, I’m kept awake by what I witnessed at my City Council meeting earlier this evening; an embarrassing and blatant display of racist remarks and actions; not just from residents, but from ‘Democratic’ Councilmembers themselves.

The ‘Real’ Residents

Three new City Councilmembers were elected to Santa Monica’s City Council by a group of residents who call themselves the ‘Real Residents of Santa Monica.’ (Any red flags?)

These new Councilmembers, Phil Brock, Oscar De La Torre, and Christine Parra, identify as Democrats but have behaved like nothing more than entitled, conservative Republicans since taking office.

On Jan. 12, I watched in dismay, as these three Democratic City Councilmembers consciously used their power to belittle a Black woman City Councilmember and attempt to take away her title of Mayor Pro Tem. That was the tone of the conversation in Santa Monica this evening, precisely one week after white supremacist domestic terrorists attacked our nation’s capital.

It’s About Time, Right?

To our blessing, in addition to the aforementioned Councilmembers, this past election in Santa Monica brought us Kristin McCowan, who became the first Black woman City Councilmember in Santa Monica.

At the previous City Council meeting, Ms. McCowan was chosen to serve as the Mayor Pro Tem (Vice Mayor), a second role that she’s the first Black woman in Santa Monica to fill.

The Real Santa Monica

Sadly, yet predictably, vicious and erroneous remarks quickly emerged, targeting McCowan.

As she spoke to defend herself and her role as Mayor Pro Tem, others attempted to cut her off, interrupt her, and even had the audacity to say they would speak for her.

During public comment, these ‘real’ residents called into the meeting to give input. In a nutshell, they said that a Black woman doesn’t speak for them and that she is not qualified for the role.

I’ll just put it out there that McCowan is more than qualified for the job. She has taken an oath to serve the Constitution of the United States in one form or another since she was 24 years old. She has served on Capitol Hill, joining the Obama administration at age 34.

McCowan has additionally gone through extensive background checks and received high-security clearance from federal officials. She is experienced.

But it would sadly seem that the only qualification these self-proclaimed ‘real’ residents have their eye on, is whiteness.

It Should Not Have Come to This

As is such, earlier this evening, Kristin McCowan gave an impassioned speech defending herself - one of the best I’ve ever heard at a City Council meeting - but it should not have come to this.

A Black woman, forced to defend herself against vicious and erroneous lies, while other Councilmembers felt they could speak both for her and over her, told her she should not play the race card; oh, and that she should share her title with someone else; specifically, a white man.

Yes, these ‘real’ residents, and their three new Councilmembers, actually suggested that a white man take McCowan’s job as Mayor Pro Tem.

This was an actual City Council agenda item this evening, one that our tax dollars and City Staff’s time were spent on.

Why is this Important?

I’m pleased to report that McCowan, via a unanimous vote, remains to be our Mayor Pro Tem.

Why is this so important?

McCowan will be able to set the course and action of the City of Santa Monica alongside the Mayor, in a city that has never addressed racism, and is set to implement its first Black agenda.

I’m so grateful that McCowan decided to stay, despite blatantly racist efforts to diminish her.

In her words, “I love this city, I love who we are and what we stand for. I do not wish to address the racist undertones permeating public discourse these last weeks and months. But I will say that I have an important voice and perspective. I have every right to serve as Mayor Pro Tem and my years working in government and these past six months on council amply qualify me to serve in this role at this time."

Let Us Be Patriotic

I was brought up to call out racist behavior every day of the week. It is the very least I can do. Not because I am a Commissioner, but because I am a white woman. I am so very disgusted and disappointed, again, by the behavior of many of these ‘real’ residents.

I am not, however, surprised.

Yes, McCowan gave a fantastic speech, but no Black woman needs to make a speech to defend her honor. She did not deserve any of this.

White folks: please remember that you can, and must, use your privilege for the greater good. Vote in your local elections, pay attention to your City Council meeting agendas, and hold your local leadership accountable when you observe oppression and room for improvement.

The most patriotic thing we can do moving forward is demand more from our political leadership; because we know better.

Signed,

Commissioner Elena Christopoulos

Commissioner Richard Brand