Candidate Makes Bad Impression At Forum Naacp Group Reacts With Anger At Joanne Mccann’s Choice Of Words

It was Joanne McCann’s idea to meet with members of the NAACP on Monday night.

But when the hourlong forum ended, the Spokane District 81 school board candidate left apologizing.

McCann and her opponent, Don Barlow, answered an onslaught of questions about their beliefs on affirmative action, diversity and social programs in District 81 schools.

McCann’s apologies came just as the forum was wrapping up.

“I’m here tonight because I wanted to learn more about a community I don’t know much about,” she said.

“I am an open person. I wouldn’t be here tonight if I wasn’t anxious or willing to learn about you people.”

Her final two words brought moans and glares from the crowd of about 50 people who attended the 7 p.m. forum at the East Central Community Center.

McCann, who appeared bewildered by the angry response, got a quick briefing in the hallway from Al Bibbins, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a former school teacher.

“When you say ‘you people,’ you’re segregating everyone again,” Bibbins said.

“What else did I say wrong?” McCann asked.

Plenty, according to some observers who said there isn’t enough time before the Nov. 4 election to educate McCann about issues crucial to them.

Barlow fared better, getting a few accolades from listeners. When asked about diversity, he said, “If I’m elected, I plan to get really involved in that area and bring diversity to the forefront.”

McCann said she’d like to start a study of all major religions and teach more about cultures represented in Spokane - more about Russians, for example, and Vietnamese communities.

When asked his opinion on affirmative action, Barlow said it’s necessary to help erase the “glass ceiling” that keeps women and minorities from top education jobs.

“It’s there to give a level playing field to everyone involved,” he said.

McCann, however, said she has serious concerns about affirmative action.

“I’m really concerned that sometimes people are given jobs simply because they met the requirements for affirmative action,” she said. “They’ll never know if they deserve the job.”

Eyes rolled and murmurs crossed the room in waves.

Mary Langford, a teacher at Chase Middle School, stood up. “Affirmative action gave us that little thrust we needed to make it into that door,” she said. “If you take that opportunity from us, we’re going to be right back where we were.”

That’s when McCann assured the audience she’d come to the meeting with an open mind to “learn about you people.”

Rev. Lonnie Mitchell, pastor of the Bethel AME Church, turned in his front-row seat and asked everyone to calm down.

“She has offended a lot of people,” Ella Huffman said.

“She didn’t know,” Mitchell said.

McCann apologized for insulting anyone, and the Rev. Happy Watkins called the forum to an end, telling the candidates he has some concerns of his own. He’d talk to them later.

Bibbins, the former teacher, followed McCann and her husband, Al, to the door. He clasped McCann’s hand and looked her in the eye as he explained that her choice of words offended the audience more than anything else.

“I use that term a lot,” McCann said. “It’s a term I use with all kinds of groups.”

She thanked Bibbins for having the patience to tell her.

“Watch your language,” he said. “That’s your first lesson. Good luck.”

“I’m sincere in my stupidity, I’ll tell you that,” she answered.

, DataTimes