Co-director for the Alabama Republican Party's (ALGOP) Outreach Coalition Belinda Thomas has condemned state Democratic vice chair Tabitha Isner's defense of State Rep. Juandalyn Givan's (D-Birmingham) recent racist comments as "an insult to every black man and woman who has faced racial bigotry."
Last week, drama ensued in Alabama politics after Givan coyly referred to State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) as an "N-word" from the House floor.
In the aftermath, ALGOP requested an apology from Givan, to which she issued a scathing response demanding an apology of her own for ALGOP's "misrepresentation of her comments."
Alabama Democratic vice chair Tabitha Isner then entered the social media fray, stating, amongst other things, that the "N-word" "is a word that can be used between black people" and "It cannot be used appropriately by non-black people."
In addition to serving as co-director of ALGOP's Outreach Coalition, Thomas is also the first black woman elected to Newton City Council.
"To say I was outraged by the racially charged attack on Representative Paschal last week would be an understatement, but as a black woman, I was even more upset by an official of the Alabama Democrat Party defending the use of the N-word to belittle a black official," Thomas said. "A Caucasian Democrat leader has no right to tell the African American community what is, or is not, racially inappropriate. Ms. Isner saying that it's okay for anyone to use the N-word as a racial slur is disgusting and an insult to every black man and woman who has faced racial bigotry. The Democrat Party needs a reality check. It is never okay to belittle someone or attack someone using the N-word. Period."
She continued, "The words of Representative Juandalynn Givan are inexcusable and unacceptable. No person should have their color of skin questioned or attacked because of a political difference. Representative Kenneth Paschal's work environment has been destroyed by the ugly face of racial bigotry, and he deserves an apology. I call on the Democrat Party to join others in condemning this racial attack."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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