by Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick, For New Pittsburgh Courier
About a month ago I received a phone call from a neighbor and she informed me that she had filed a civil suit against Pittsburgh City Council and then she asked me would I be able to attend the hearing? My first response was what does the suit pertain to? The answer was there are three important issues, but the most important was the illegal raise that the council had given themselves. After a slight hesitation I asked her when and where was the hearing and then I assured her I would be there.
Why did I hesitate? I thought about how several people had referred to this person and it generally was that she was a “Black activist” and she was generally out of control. That description made up my mind to attend the hearing and I was absolutely delighted that I was there. Upon entering the Court Room I was somewhat disappointed that there were only four of us in attendance, and the activist who had extended the invitation was her own attorney.
It came to mind the old, old, old saying that if you defend yourself you generally have a fool for a client. However the activist, who served as her own attorney, was more than competent that day in court. Her name is Carmen Brown and she was totally in control. In fact, she was more professional and prepared than the Pittsburgh attorney who represented Pittsburgh City Council.
After the hearing I called several persons whose opinions I have the utmost respect and asked them did any of them know Carmen and three of them knew her well. We talked at length and I came to the conclusion that down through Black history, there have been an untold number of Black women and men who have been described in a very negative sense. I am unable to name all of them, but ask yourself if you are one of those individuals whom others have labeled you falsely?
Carmen Brown is a committed, out spoken and courageous woman.
There are those who mislabeled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., because he preached to turn the other cheek.
I wrote my column, “Tell The Truth” for 23 years and only three people ever challenged it.
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