A View From A Pew: Can Our Sisters Get R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I don’t know about you, but I am deeply concerned with the recent allegations involving some of this city governments highest-ranking African American female officials.

These esteemed professionals, well-known for their dedication and service, are facing serious character assassination if there is no real justification or clarity concerning a city investigation that no one seems to be going on the record talking about.

The damaging consequences of such actions cannot be understated, and it is imperative that we address the injustice head-on.

The individuals in question, Finance Director Angelica Alexander and Human Resource Director Reather Hollowell have served this city with distinction, making significant contributions to the betterment of their community.

Despite their accomplishments, they find themselves plastered across news channels, alleging them to be criminals without any facts to back it up.

The gravity of putting their pictures on the 6 o'clock news cannot be overstated, as it damages their reputations and undermines public confidence. The essential point of concern here is that these accusations have been made without any clear declaration of the crime supposedly committed.

Vague references of a “possible criminal investigation” serve no purpose other than to cast a shadow over these professional women’s careers and personal lives. The lack of official charges raises questions about the motives behind such unprofessional practices.

Are these accusations rooted in factual evidence, or are they driven by underlying prejudices and biases within the system against Black women?

This situation is not just a personal attack on the women concerned; it is a broader commentary on the systemic challenges that African Americans face in professional settings.

Often, we are held to unfair double standards and subjected to scrutiny that our counterparts never experience.

Such occurrences highlight the necessity for a fair and transparent process in handling allegations, one that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and definitely presumed innocent until real charges are filed.

It’s fundamental that due process is followed, ensuring that any investigation is grounded in verifiable facts rather than conjecture or insinuation.

The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” must be upheld, safeguarding the integrity of those who serve our community and the transparency and credibility of our justice and governance systems.

The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and bears a responsibility to report responsibly and avoid sensationalism, particularly in cases where lives and careers hang in the balance.

Ethical community journalism should prioritize accuracy and fairness, giving equal emphasis to the lack of concrete evidence as it does to the mere suggestion of wrongdoing.

In conclusion, the unsubstantiated accusations against these high-ranking African American women employed by Columbus Consolidated Government is just another example of a troubling trend of systemic injustice.

 It is incumbent upon all of us—private citizens, media professionals, and public officials alike—to demand transparency, fairness, and respect for due process.

Only by doing so can we ensure that justice prevails and that the true character of these dedicated career public servants is honored, not disrespected.