Brandon M. Scott
First, I will say thanks to Baltimore, MD. Mayor Brandon M. Scott. After the November 5, 2024 election, his words about Black women were beautiful and moved me to tears. If we could get all Black men, actually all people, to think and talk about Black women the way he did, this world would be a better place.
He began by saying, “It is really on my heart this morning to say that as a man, but more importantly as a Black man, that this country does not deserve Black women or Black people, but specifically Black women.”
Then he said, what so many others have said, that Black women carried and saved this country so many times.
I agree. We have been the backbone, the savior, the one everyone leans on when times get hard, but we are still often overlooked when it comes time to celebrate – we feel no pain, we don’t need love, and we will be alright — seems to be the common perception of us — that is if we aren’t angry all the time!
I am so appreciative of those who hold Black women in high esteem. We are worthy.
It disgusts me that we find ourselves being disqualified, passed over, vilified, and more by folks who don’t realize they are misogynistic, sexist, ignorant, and yes, racist!
I could go on but I want to address another important issue — Dallas, TX is about to select a new City Manager.
Dallas Interim City Manager
For the past few months, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has served as the Interim City Manager. Soon, the Council is expected to select finalists from a pool that includes Tolbert and three other men.
Tolbert deserves support and hopefully the Council will make the right decision.
She knows what the City needs to get on track and take care of the business at hand. She also has the temperament and is politically savvy to deal with the egos, good ole boys, jealousy, pettiness, ineffectiveness, underqualified, and slackers; while also identifying, hiring, and rewarding the superstars, loyal, dedicated, and high performers.
She knows that some departments are ineffective and need to be reevaluated and some people are not performing at a standard of excellence, and they need to go.
She is astute, strategic, experienced, and has an impeccable work ethic. I believe she will expect the same from City employees.
For years people, including those who work for the City, have talked about the level of incompetence in some areas.
Her job will be challenging, but she is centered physically, spiritually, mentally, and socially. She navigates effectively in any room, around this city, and across this country.
Also, having to be responsive to elected officials, community leaders, and every citizen; well, as if that weren’t enough, COVID changed the entire workforce culture so it will be challenging dealing with the whiners and those who are happy complaining.
For a time like this, we need strong, bold leadership, and that is what we can expect from Tolbert. She is no-nonsense, and there will be a level of accountability that will make citizens proud.
And if she is selected, here’s something we all can do — help her be successful.
She will have enough battles to deal with daily. She doesn’t need petulant, egotistical, back-biting, envious folks who question her every decision and tear her down at every opportunity.
Take a page out of Mayor Scott’s book, and let’s show the world that we deserve Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
