By Antonio D. French
Filed Monday, October 16, 2006 at 9:45 AM
The head of the Gateway Classic Foundation has a beef with State Sen. Joan Bray (D-St. Louis County) and he's taking his support across the aisle. Labels: Beefs, State_Senate
Earl Wilson has endorsed Bray's Republican challenger, John Maupin, after being personally offended by Bray's refusal to support his nomination by Gov. Matt Blunt to the Lincoln University Board of Curators earlier this year.
In a press release sent out Friday, Wilson said he was "sick and tired of some Democrats taking advantage of Afro-Americans by not doing anything for them and expecting them to vote for them during election time." Wilson said since Bray didn't support him, he won't be supporting her.
"From this point on, I will support the candidate who is best for the community, whether he or she be a Democrat or Republican," said Wilson.
The 74-year-old founder of the foundation known best for its annual black college football game said he's tired of being disrespected by so-called liberals. "A liberal thinks he or she can kick your butt and still have you support them," he said.
"Not me. Scrutinize each candidate whether they be Democrat or Republican and vote for the individual based on his/her record."
UPDATE: Sen. Bray told PUB DEF this morning that it was at the request of three of her senate colleagues, Senators Rita Days, Maida Coleman, and Yvonne Wilson (all Lincoln alumni), that she supported replacing outgoing curator Pearlie Evans with another female candidate on the overwhelming male board.
"I respected their interest in replacing one good woman with another good woman," said Bray.
She also pointed out that Wilson, a cousin to Congressman Lacy Clay, had already twice before served on Lincoln's board of curators.
"And how does it serve his cousin at all to support a Republican in an overlapping district?" she added.
8 Comments:
Does being black mean that you should automatically get the support of liberals? It makes little sense for Wilson to support a candidate from a party that shows little if any concern for minorities, because his ego has been bruised. Self interest before the greater good is what we are seeing here...but we have been seeing that alot lately.
10/16/2006 10:47 AM
How can someone running for office deny Earl Wison this opportunity? What was she thinking? What a ridiculous fight to have? Does she understand the current climate in politics? Doesn't mean she will lose?
The Gateway Classic was a very nice event this year with tailgate parties and plenty of activities for everyone.
Why didn't you cover this event with that video camera and tape some of those fine sistah's from the Lou and out of town Antonio?
I know you covered the Cinco De Mayo, Dog Park openings, Mardi Gras, and other events.
However, you neglected the Gateway Classic and Annie Malone parade. I want to see some video from these events next year Antonio. There are some fine sistah's at these events. Definitely worthy of spotlighting for the world to see!
SIGNED,
SISTAH'S ARE FINE TO ME
10/16/2006 10:49 AM
"It makes little sense for Wilson to support a candidate from a party that shows little if any concern for minorities"
I think that's exactly what Earl Wilson is saying. Support candidates not parties.
10/16/2006 11:01 AM
I agree with Earl Wilson somewhat, if Joan Bray isnt willing to endorse him why should he endorse her, makes sense to me. I dont agree with him endorsing her opponent out of spite though, thats wrong and I cant respect that
10/16/2006 2:33 PM
Earl Wilson is being selfish. He wanted another feather in his personal cap; his "protest" is not for better representation for minorities, but is motivated solely because he believes himself entitled to an appointment which he cannot get.
If he was not paying attention to the qualifications of candidates before, maybe he will now. But if he's choosing Maupin over Bray, he's doing himself and the entire African American community a huge disservice.
10/16/2006 6:36 PM
But it is not like there is not another black to serve on the board. Why can't we give some respect for our black women by making sure they serve on boards. Integration is not just for black men to get ahead, it is for all blacks, men and women
10/16/2006 7:18 PM
Earl Wilson is tripping! Senator Bray made the decision based on input from ALL three black senators in Jeff City who are also Lincoln University graduates. The three senators based their decision on three facts:
1. Earl Wilson had twice before been an LU curator and Lincoln is not the better for it.
2. Wilson had also been a member of the State's Coordinating Board of Higher Education - the entity that oversees ALL public universities and colleges in Missouri. Again, Lincoln is not the better for Earl Wilson's so called service.
3. A very qualified person, former Judge Iris Ferguson had been recommended by Senator Coleman to replace Pearlie Evans whose term had expired. Previously, two black men had also been sponsored by Senator Coleman and placed on the Board by the governor - St. Louisians Attorney Rodney Boyd and Judge Marvin Teer.
Now, Earl Wilson decides that he wants to go on Lincoln's board for the THIRD time. Why, because he's selfish. Not because Lincoln has benefitted from it.
Wilson's argument for supporting the Republican candidate shows how selfish he is. He's only with this candidate because he's mad that he didn't get what he wanted.
And, if you want to know how right I am, do what I did. I called my fellow St. Louis Lincoln alums, Senators Days and Coleman, and asked them myself!
10/17/2006 6:06 PM
I'll say one thing, maybe this will teach politicians like Sen. Bray that their decisions have consequences. She should have backed Earl Wilson.
10/18/2006 7:56 PM
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