Two efforts to take on racism in Clayton

Taking steps to address what many say is a culture of racism in their small town, the City Council established a Public Safety Committee at its July 7 meeting.

Mayor Julie Pierce appointed council members Tuija Catalano and CW Wolfe to serve on the ad hoc committee that will meet regularly with the police chief in an open forum with residents. Topics will vary depending on public concerns.

Separately, a group of private citizens took their discussion to the Internet July 9 with “Clayton Speaks,” a public panel about racism in the community.

Moving beyond tear gas

Both were responses to events of early June, when a Clayton protest that ended with tear gas was followed three days later by a peaceful, emotional Black Lives Matter rally in the Grove.

At the council meeting last week, more than a dozen speakers called for city action because of the police response to the protest in early June. Additionally, many were incensed when earlier in the day city workers began hanging new flags on the light poles downtown.

Residents Dane and Kahni Horton donated the flags, which were not standard American flags. The “Blue Lives Matter” flags did not have city approval. Staff immediately removed the flags, but the anger was still simmering.

“Some believe the flags show support for officers,” one speaker said. “But during these times now, it shows opposition to Black Lives Matter.”

Clayton resident Matt Foley said the flags are a sign of respect and should be replaced.

Kahni Horton did not return the Pioneer’s calls for comment.

Controversy over ­appointments

In establishing the Public Safety Committee, Pierce appointed Catalano and Wolfe without considering members Jeff Wan and Jim Diaz. They each wanted the appointment but faced opposition from other council members and those present at the meeting.

Many objected to Wan’s statement supporting the use of tear gas and foam bullets following the June 2 protest.

“On this committee, we need people who have the courage to question, not rubber stamp (law enforcement) actions,” said Bassam Al-Twal, a Clayton resident and member of the Planning Commission.

Wan, who is Asian, was furious at being passed over, objecting to the mayor’s appointments because she did not include a person of color on the committee.

“I find it odd that we have three Caucasian members, and they think they are the right ones to represent people of color,” Wan told the council. “That’s privilege right there.

“You have to live it,” he added. “This is what I’ve lived my whole frickin’ life.”

Several believe Diaz, who is Hispanic, should be disqualified because of his background in law enforcement. “He will never question his own,” one speaker said.

Ongoing discussion

The “Clayton Speaks” committee is “separate from but supported by” the city, according to organizer Holly Tillman. Pierce, Catalano and Wolfe sit on the committee along with a dozen community members.

Matt and Holly Tillman and their daughters Jordan and Jada were speakers at the Black Lives Matter rally on June 5. The Tillmans are well-known around town for their community involvement and leadership, and many residents found it jarring to hear their experiences with racism in Clayton.

More than 162 people signed on for the Zoom discussion, the first of many, said Holly Tillman.

Editor’s note: Cw Wolfe is not running for reelction. Wan’s objection to the mayor’s appointments was primarily because she did not include a person of color on the Public Safety Committee.

You can watch the July 9 Clayton Speaks meeting here: