How Sarah Palin Has Excluded African-Americans

On April 29, 2008, 14 leaders of Alaska's black community met with Gov. Sarah Palin to voice discontent with her minority hiring record. Palin's response, which was first reported by journalist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, only compounded her icy relationship with her African-American constituents.

Gwen Alexander, the president of the African-American Historical Society of Alaska, told me that Palin stated defiantly that she had no intention to hire any minority staffers. And according to Bishop Dave Thomas, senior pastor of Anchorage-based African-American church Jesus Holy Temple, the Palin administration excluded black business owners from the Alaskan oil and gas pipeline board. "We wasn't even able or allowed to go into the meetings" to seek contracts for the pipeline, Thomas told me.

Palin further alienated Alaska's black community by becoming the first Alaskan governor in recent memory to not recognize the Juneteenth celebration of the emancipation proclamation. "She doesn't hire any black people, she doesn't have any on her staff, so it's not a surprise that she doesn't support our Juneenth celebration," Alexander said.

These revelations and many more are contained in my latest video, which was produced with support from the Nation Institute Investigative Fund.

Update: Sarah Palin's rural affairs director has abruptly resigned, citing Palin's lack of commitment to hiring Native Americans.

Comments

[mderum]

Palin has NEVER offered anything substantive to her debates - to her speeches - to her Governing (as far as I can see, but I could be wrong on the Governing part. I don't live in Alaska and I only know what I see, hear and read).

She is seemingly racist in actions. She may try to "back-track" and say something like: "oh my gosh, when we're sittin' in my office, we're always talkin' bout how we can use the black folk for many things here in our government, don-cha-kn­ow..."

I don't know. She is the "prom-queen" with nothing to offer and has always gotten by on her looks.
All fluff, no substance.

Sad...Sad.­..Sad!!!

[mwestorca]

I am very concerned to hear that Palin has excluded Black Americans from her government in Alaska. Is this indicative about how she would govern America if she had to step into the presidency? She's scary on many fronts, but I wasn't aware that she was known for this sort of thing in Alaska.

[tel8034]

That's why she's a good Republican ..........­..........­..........­... They oppose all programs geared towards uplifting minorities, be they AA, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American.

The President of the United States must be the President for ALL of the people and not just for one ehtnic group.

[GeorgiaInFlorida]

Palin and her husband's association with the Alaska Independent Party should be reported more by the press. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard it mentioned on the news. This party advocates Alaska's secession from the United States. If Obama did something like that, Palin would be calling him a traitor.

[scadabout]

SO DOES TEXAS!!!!!

[GrammieJ]

Do you folks notice all the people at GOP gatherings?

How many black people do you see in the audiences? I did see one black radio talk show man, who by the way, challenged McCain to be more forceful and bring up Ayers face-to-face with Obama. McCain promised to do that. Well, tomorrow night is his chance at the debate.

Palin is a fluff and a liar. She is now talking about her record on TV and how she is so wonderful. Liar again, she was found guilty of abusing her authority and being unethical, abusing her trust from Alaska.

OHHHHH MY, how sad for McCain to have picked her.

Just my thoughts!

[grandma58]

I have noticed more color everywhere with Obama/Biden not just skin color. Clothing, the colors, style
and personalities of the people. I'm in Montana where we are mostly white, so I look for color in other ways. I am not voting based on color I could care less what color Obama's skin is, I am voting for him because he can bring a multitude of colors together. He is not taking PAC dollars.
This past week I have also come to believe he can and will make changes. He will do this because he believes he can so he will start! Once he starts and we see it makes sense we will follow. He exudes leadership. I have the impression he expects us to be and act our best across the board! So we will be even if we are not already.

[formerprosecutor]

You have the "right" mindset; spread the word to your neighbors. Seriously, don't you think Obama would be dissappointed in a person that wasn't doing there best? I do. He would be a great boss, expecting a lot, supporting your efforts, digging in himself and pushing tose laggards ahead.

[NoNotAgain]

Who was this black radio man ????/

[musselmanm]

When I worked in Valdez on the terminal camp of the Alaskan Pipeline, Alaska was so racist that qualified people to do the work were not allowed to test on very important welding procedures due to the color of their skin or the shape of their eyes.
I would bet that racism is just as bad right now in Alaska. The only reason the native Americans got to have jobs was due to the federal government withholding funds unless an Alaskan first hire was the law.

[formerprosecutor]

I totally believe you. That is the tactic used for many many years in order to disparage talented minorities from geting validation in their skills.

[steamboat]

I live in Chicago. More African-Americans murdered on the streets of Chicago in one month then have been murdered in the entire state of Alaska in the last 10 years...

[msrikishi]

Yes they really do go together like two peas in a pod.
I don't put anything passed them, and I'm white, but I can't stand that kind of BS
They will say are do anything to try and win, but I hope everyone else is wise to them.
Go Obama

[brendanm]

Sarah Palin is delighted that this report clears her of any hint of exclusion of African-Americans from her administration.

[jeff]

"We wasn't even able or allowed to go into the meetings" to seek contracts for the pipeline, Thomas told me.

. "She doesn't hire any black people, she doesn't have any on her staff, so it's not a surprise that she doesn't support our Juneenth celebration," Alexander said.

is this satire?

[mbrlr]

Why does it strike you as satire?

[peace1970]

I think they meant because it's so ridiculous that a woman that would have this view is anywhere near the White House?
This woman makes my skin crawl!!
Obama/Biden!!

[Williamsburg]

I think it should read "He wasn't". It did seem a bit odd but I think it is a typo.

[formerprosecutor]

Was it the "ebonics" that troubles you? or the concept of "juneenth" celebratio­n..or what? Satire?

[epitomized]

Oh, but that pastor of Obama's who has made some comments against white people makes Obama not qualified to be president?

What's that saying? ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!!!

What the right doesn't realize is that some black people may not care much for "the man" (or in this case, "the woman") because it seems that in the grand scheme of things, not too much has changed in the 50 or so years since segregation ended. Or, just maybe, they realize that not too long ago, black people were "owned" by white people. Maybe, just maybe, that's why some black people have trust issues when it comes to white people.

Contrary to what the fearful white people are afraid of, a black president will not do to white people what white people did to black people.

As a white man, I am proud to be an Obama supporter. I believe that now is the time for a black person (or a mixed-race person in Obama's case) lead the United States of America. Next up? After Obama, I would like to see a woman in office!

Clearly, what worked in the past (rich white man) no longer works. Let's try something new starting with Obama!

[Gabbie]

One white woman stated she could never vote for a black man so she was going to vote for the white half of Obama. Problem solved!

[formerprosecutor]

Unfortunate, that people just don't vote for his brain, competency, compassion and leadership
Obama/ Biden 08

[uc1000]

A qualified, non-devise woman at that. Rev. Wright fought for his country just like McCain and didn't give up secrets to the VC. Can't he be a hero?

[steamboat]

Rev. Wright NEVER left the states. Thats a fact !

[War VetsMom]

I would caution, not to judge all by the act of the few. I know both Reps. and Dems. and Inds. none who are racist and have done good works in their communities for others.

[NoNotAgain]

War_VetsMom

You are correct. To those who want to disdain Community Organizers ( Palin )

Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer and Pontius Pilate was a Governor

Enough said !!!!!!

[formerprosecutor]

Speaking JUST for myself, I have plenty of Republicans friends, and they are sharply divided about the McCain Palin ticket. Those that tend toward charity and forgivemess and humaness; are very anti Plain. The others are strait ticket types. They are all very well off though. Coincidence?

[sheikwil4]

just like McCain, no wonder they are soul mates. McCain voted against the Martin Luther King Holiday so many times until I guess he was embarrassed that Arizona was the last state to voted it in as a federal holiday. vote Obama 08.

[luvangelHussein330]

P.S. also explains why she has no problem with people yelling out apethets at her rallies

[RReitz]

Sarah would like to change many things about America, just ask Todd. There is much hope that there are enough people of all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds to keep her out of the White House. Alaska, will have to deal with her when she gets back. And Sarah many people don't like you either and its not just because you happen to be white.

[Nomccain]

what's new about that? The Repiglicans have been racists for years and excluded blacks and other miniorites all the could. The few blacks they have in their party are affluent blacks.