Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Race And Public Statements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Elizabeth Council unanimously denounces racially demeaning social‑media depiction of Obamas
Summary
The Elizabeth City Council on Feb. 10 unanimously adopted a resolution condemning a social‑media post that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, and directed copies of the resolution to federal and state officials.
The City Council of Elizabeth on Feb. 10 adopted a resolution condemning a social‑media post that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a demeaning, racist manner. The resolution, passed unanimously, said such imagery "denies Black people their humanity, rights, and equal standing in society" and urged public officials and institutions to speak out against racism in all forms.
Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste brought the complaint to the council floor, saying she was "appalled" by the depiction and requesting a formal denouncement. Council President Manny Grova said the posting had "dropped the level" of the office and agreed that elected officials should condemn it. The adopted resolution directs that copies be sent to the U.S. President, New Jersey's congressional delegation, the governor, and other federal and state officials.
The action was procedural—no public vote was recorded against the measure—and the resolution frames the adoption as an official statement by the municipal governing body. The council's action follows a related public outcry documented earlier in the meeting during council comments.
