Montclair 4th Ward ‘Diminished By Act Of Bias’: Op-Ed

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following letter to the editor comes courtesy of the Rev. Clenard Childress, senior pastor of New Calvary Baptist Church in Montclair. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In 1963, Dr. King gave his response to the assassination of John Kennedy saying, "the same thing they have done to him they will do to me I will not see my 40th birthday."

An assassin’s bullet killed him at 39. King also said, " Anyone who becomes bigger than his cause then his cause is not worth serving."

In January, clergy, elected officials and citizens will gather to commemorate Dr. King's accomplishments in social justice in America. It’s unfortunate for many this service will only depict the charade of fairness propagated but not demonstrated. It comes on the heels of a blatant act of dishonesty and subterfuge against an African American woman who has served faithfully for 14 years as 4th Ward council person, Renee Baskerville.

It was agreed that a sitting council person would serve one year as Deputy Mayor which all of the three did except Renee Baskerville. What should have been a ceremonious vote of approval became an obvious conspiracy against Renee not to hold the position. Voting one thing behind closed doors then switching in public to accomplish what they obviously "colluded" to deny Renee Baskerville as well as justice and fairness.

Renee's ward represents the largest population of Black and Hispanic in Montclair. These residents see the town council reject their representative after other wards were given the opportunity. Why is the 4th Ward's council person whom represents the largest minority population, rejected from holding the position of Deputy Mayor? Why in a town that boast of fairness and equality act so blatantly bias towards this African American woman? Where is the demand from all Clergy and concerned citizens alike to petition the Mayor and council to rectify this obvious ill-conceived act?

Renee, remember, Dr. King proved he was not bigger than his cause. Knowing he would die he pursued because he realized his cause was greater than himself. Renee, you are not bigger than the 4th Ward. You represent the 4th Ward. The 4th Ward was diminished by this act of bias. The 4th Ward should be represented. Politics is perception. What is anyone to perceive from this? What are the citizens of Montclair to think? Humiliation? It’s the humiliation of the 4th Ward.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com