The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the Justice Resource Center are planning a boycott and protest of LEO because journalist Phillip Bailey wrote factual stories detailing events that took place involving Gracie Lewis. Lewis is a prominent figure in Kentucky and long-time civil rights activist.
We don’t want to tarnish the story, so go read it for yourself.
But first, some choice excerpts:
The letter is referring to an irate message left on Scott’s office answering machine the day after Lewis reportedly screamed at her son. The recorded message says: “This is Gracie Lewis you black bitch. You better not never bring your skinny, narrow ass and get in my face again because I will kick your black ass. Peace.”
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Although Lewis did not return calls seeking comment for this story, she did call LEO Weekly on Monday, demanding that the newspaper stop printing stories about the incident and accusing it of being racist for publishing a story containing a negative portrayal of an African American.
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“It’s some stupid young folks trying to take over the Kentucky Alliance,” says Mattie Jones, interim director of the Justice Resource Center. “It’s a group of untrained, unskilled, arrogant and disrespectful young folks.”
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Not only is Jones frustrated with the Kentucky Alliance, it turns out she also is upset with LEO Weekly. In fact, because the newspaper is publishing this story, she plans on using her new position to call for a boycott, saying, “We want this to stop.”
Since when is it racist to report the facts? Especially when the person reporting those facts is black? And throwing young activists under the bus by calling them “stupid young folks” ??? Way to go! Way to save society. Way to piss off every young person within a 100-mile radius.
Read the letter to the Kentucky Alliance Board of Directors that initially sparked this ordeal after the jump…
Dear KY Alliance Board of Directors:
I write to you all to inform you of a physical confrontation that I had with Gracie Lewis on Monday, July 21, 2008.
It was the end of a day-long presentation that I and some colleagues were giving on the “Power of Collaborations.” Gracie Lewis had an inappropriate and totally out-of-line confrontation with my 13-year-old son and I approached her about it.
Everyone who was around me will acknowledge that I approached Gracie with the utmost respect, but that she immediately pushed her breasts into my chest and pointed her finger in my face. Now, I am a non-violent person, but quickly raised my voice at Gracie to let her know that she will not treat my teenage son with disrespect, nor any of the other children whose parents entrust their safety to the KY Alliance, or myself.
Because Gracie has placed herself in a position of authority, decision-making, and leadership at the KY Alliance, I believe that it is incumbent upon you all as the Board of Directors to take action on this matter. When my physical safety and that of my child comes into question, I expect action without question. None of you would expect less for you or your child.
And because the action occurred in the Braden Center, I believe that the Braden Center board of directors must also address the matter.
Yes, many of us are damaged individuals, but I do not use my child abuse as an excuse to mistreat any of you. And yes, Gracie is a seasoned citizen, but her actions make it clear that she does not deserve my respect.
I will also have you know that Gracie called me twice at work this morning to harass me. Yes, I hung up on her the first time because no one will attempt to humiliate me. And I have the saved voice-mail message that she left the second time. If this continues, I will contact law enforcement.
Peace,
Attica Scott
And check out last week’s edition of LEO for more on the story.






3 responses so far ↓
1 BILked // Aug 6, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Now I guess they are going to boycott PageoneKentucky.com …
They just have to figure out how to boycott electrons or they could have a sit-in at Jake’s house.
2 jake // Aug 6, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hopefully they’ll just follow me as I drive around in my giant Republican SUV.
3 Steve // Aug 6, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I’ve always known Phillip Bailey to be an honest broker of factual information and opinion.
The assault on him is unwarranted and hypocritical.
It’s understandable, in light of the inter-generational hostilities that have beset local civil rights activism.
But there’s no excuse for it.
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