Sometimes, it’s not about race

In an editorial Sunday, The Virginian-Pilot called for the recall of Portsmouth Mayor James Holley, who faces such an election for the second time Tuesday. In an op-ed a few pages later, writer Nathan McCall says the mayor should be allowed to finish the remaining two years of his term and then go quietly into the night. McCall’s basic argument is that the mayor is black and has done much for civil rights, and his removal “could complicate race relations for years to come.”

While I appreciate what Mayor Holley accomplished over the years, this recall election has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with whether the mayor is helping or hurting the city of Portsmouth. His fellow members of council – both black and white – voted unanimously to ask for his resignation. His former assistant, whose revelations prompted the vote, says that it is time for him to go. No one is denying that Holley helped race relations in Portsmouth in the past. But how much of a help is it when the mayor says there is a need for a “black” hotel? Is this 1964?

Yes, racism is alive and well in America. But we no longer fight the same battles today that we fought in the past. Today’s problems require a new set of skills – and a new group of leaders, both black and white. There is a lot more to be done. That cannot be accomplished when we cling to the notion that being black – no matter how incompetent – is enough.

The people of Portsmouth deserve better. Recalling Holley is a first step.