By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Funny, quick-witted and sharp as always, Willie Brown Jr. held everyone’s attention at an event celebrating Black History Month on Feb. 26 at the crowded North Natomas Aquatic Complex.
The 90-year-old former mayor of San Francisco and former Assembly speaker was the honored guest at the seventh Black History Month celebration luncheon hosted by the African American Employee Leadership Council.
The council advocates for the development of policies that support the fair and equitable treatment of Black city employees while holding city leadership accountable. It was founded with support from former Mayor Kevin Johnson and former councilmembers Larry Carr and Allen Warren, who recognized the lack of upward opportunities for Black city government employees.
“Black people helped to develop this country in every way,” said Brown, noting how instrumental Black people have been in the nation’s creation, expansion and wealth.
The achievements of former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris speak to the success that Black people have had in politics despite facing the racism and oppression that persists.
“In this country, even Black folk have been able to do something about this democracy through the electoral process,” Brown said.
President Donald Trump has routinely voiced opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion policies, claiming that DEI initiatives promote reverse discrimination. He has characterized these programs as divisive, claiming they emphasize race and identity over individual qualifications or achievement.
In January, President Trump signed two executive orders that sought to terminate all DEI programs within federal agencies and prohibited federal contractors from implementing DEI and affirmative action programs, revoking provisions that had mandated equal employment opportunity and affirmative action since 1965.
Despite Trump’s agenda to eliminate racial equity, Brown remains hopeful the president will come to realize the importance of DEI initiatives in achieving a more equitable and just society for Black people and that they have led to the success that some African Americans experience today.
It is more important than ever for a new generation of Black leadership to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them, Brown said. “I’m frankly looking forward to the achievement that will come from some of the young Black folk who are in the world of politics today,” he said.
After Brown’s speech, newly elected Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and City Council members shared with the crowd a resolution passed Feb. 11 honoring Black History Month and recognizing the contributions of Black people while reaffirming the city’s commitment to eliminating racial disparities and fostering a more inclusive community.
McCarty acknowledged the Black city employees who serve daily, carrying out their jobs on behalf of the people of Sacramento.