Maryland (Gov. Wes Moore) and its biggest city Baltimore (Mayor Brandon M. Scott) have Black male leadership.
The term DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) has become the new N-word for many White racists.
However, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 40, has embraced the moniker of DEI mayor, but with a slight variation.
Mayor Scott calls himself the duly, elected incumbent leader of Baltimore.
And the city is probably ecstatic that they have such a caring advocate leading them into 2025 and beyond.
Never was that so apparent than when tragedy struck the “Charm City.”
On March 27, Suzette Hackney of USA Today reported, “A hulking container ship lost control of its steering and careened into a tower of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In a matter of seconds, the iconic bridge—traveled daily by more than 30,000 vehicles—plunged into Baltimore’s harbor.”
When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, resulting in six deaths, Scott’s quick action and leadership probably saved countless lives.
Nevertheless, saving lives did not save him from racist attacks from bigots who probably believed that the only way an African-American man could lead a major city was if he had gotten the job because of diversity initiatives and not the will of the people.
Guest columnist Alex Seojoon of The Oklahoman wrote, “When the Francis Scott Key Bridge was hit by a ship in the heart of Baltimore, no one had been expecting such devastating wreckage. The bridge played a crucial role in connecting the lives of thousands of civilians in the neighboring area, and now it lay crumbled in the cold Patapsco River.
“Yet, in the midst of recovery and cleanup efforts, the criticism has turned not to the decades-old construction or the lack of collision-prevention structures, but rather toward the mayor of Baltimore, Brandon Scott. The discriminatory comments being made toward Scott on the basis of race are disheartening to see, especially in a city in which a massive accident has just occurred.”
While it may be disheartening, it is a script older than America itself in which African-Americans get the blame for the mistakes or mishaps of others.
And when an African-American succeeds beyond the expectations of others, many from the White community complain that the only reason that they reach such lofty heights is because of affirmative action or DEI programs.
When people call an African-American a DEI hire, they are calling them the N-word.
Additionally, when bigots use the term DEI hire, they are calling African-Americans inferior because in their minds an African-American could not earn a coveted position by their own merit.
In April, Utah Republican gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman said, “This is what happens when you have Governors who prioritize diversity over the wellbeing and security of citizens.”
Lyman extended his criticism to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who is also African-American.
Alana Wise of NPR reported, “Ignoring that public officials are elected—not hired—and Scott won the 2020 mayor’s race with a landslide 70 percent of the vote, the vitriol playing out in rightwing spaces highlighted growing tensions stemming from efforts to promote fair hiring and labor practices in workforces and higher education.
“While there is a decades-long history of institutions implementing policies to seek fairness for minorities, the phrase DEI grew in popularity, and controversy, particularly after the 2020 murder of George Floyd and subsequent national conversations about the way non-White Americans are treated compared to their White counterparts.”
The fact that Scott cares about all Baltimore residents and does not play the race card when it comes to disasters or anything else pertaining to the “Charm City” is a great reason to award him the 2024 Regal King of the Year Award.
The award is often reserved for an African-American man who makes a positive difference in the Black community or the community that surrounds them.
But in a world that is often so divided by race, it is great that some cities and communities have leaders who care less about race and more about the complete collective of people they serve.
According to the official Baltimore website, “During his first term, Scott emerged as a leading voice in reducing violence in Baltimore and reinstated Council Oversight of the Baltimore Police Department by holding quarterly hearings. He believes that reducing violence will require a holistic, all-hands on deck approach, one that recognizes violence is fundamentally a public health issue. Scott led legislative initiatives that created extensive crime data sharing and online reporting of crimes by the Baltimore Police Department. In 2016, Scott introduced and passed legislation creating an open data policy in Baltimore.”
Scott believes that Baltimore is experiencing a rebirth with shootings and murders decreasing.
Baltimore’s first two-term mayor in 20 years added that he wants to continue focusing on reducing crime and fixing the city’s vacant home problem.
Scott said, “For decades there have been promises made to Baltimoreans about quick fixes and short-term solutions, but they have always been hollow. Many of us long-term Baltimoreans know that all too well. I know those I grew up with in Park Heights and countless neighborhoods, like it heard those promises and witnessed them fail, first hand. I don’t ever want to be someone who promises like that.”
In Baltimore, homicides are down 24 percent and non-fatal shootings decreased by 34 percent.
However, Scott wants to curb youth crime as statistics show carjackings and robberies committed by juveniles increasing.
Another thing that is increasing is Scott’s profile and the respect and admiration so many have for him.
Some might call him a DEI hire.
Others might call him something far worse.
Who cares?
RegalMag.com calls him royalty and the 2024 Regal King of the Year.
Salute!
