It's worth noting a simple fact about the Mayor's contribution (or lack thereof) to racial understanding in Kansas City:
Funkhouser skipped out on MLK celebrations in Kansas City!!!
However, in a good move he sent the better PR guy in his crew and Kendrick Blackwood did quite a good job in addressing the crowd at St. Stephen Baptist Church last night.
When Blackwood read a proclamation from the Mayor there was audible disgust from folks in the audience. I could hear the "whatevers" and "yeah right" from the crowd with no trouble at all. I thought the guy was going to lose it but he kept his cool. When Blackwood began to speak he talked about the importance of the day and King's legacy, the crowd suddenly lost it's edge. It also helped that Rev. Thompson urged the crowd to be respectful.
Now, this wasn't a political victory for Mayor Funky but a sign that at least one member of his posse isn't completely clueless. It wasn't a political miracle, just one of the Mayor's people reminding everyone that they were in a church and their political angst might not be completely appropriate. Once again our Mayor missed a real opportunity for reconciliation with Kansas City's Black Community. Furthermore, Mike Sanders picked up a lot of cred by being the most prominent Kansas City politico in the crowd - His role as the guy with less political fumbling in KC is a virtual goldmine. Nevertheless, the crowd was still displeased and/or disappointed with Mayor Funkhouser after his PR guy was finished speaking.
However, people had a lot more respect for Blackwood . . . In fact, Blackwood appeared much more competent than his boss.
I agree. Blackwood was asked to a tough job, support Funk in front of a clearly hostile crowd. The crowd was visibly angry at him. However, at no time did I see that anger subside, in fact I thought it grew the more he spoke. Also, correct about Mike Sanders.
ReplyDeleteOverheard at the service... "you can tell it's an election year, look at all the politicians"
ReplyDeleteKanatzar was there rather than meeting with his staff to launch the $80K investigation.
ReplyDeletedamn straight.
ReplyDeleteTony, you receive Funk's front porch newsletter. It clearly said that he attended a MLK service. At least pretend to be honest.
ReplyDeleteit wouldn't of matter if he was there or not.
ReplyDeleteHe's white.
Tony you obviously didn't go last night or you would have heard the crowd boo the lackey from the Mayor's office. He was awful!
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:37 is right. I was there, it was VERY ugly for poor Kendrick. He had an impossible job, the crowd was pretty angry.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I got to see Mike Sanders speak for the first time at the event. He's got a little baptist preacher in him. He got a great reaction.
ReplyDelete