I loudly criticized Katie Hobbs. Why I forgive her now

I had the opportunity to hear secretary of state and candidate for governor Katie Hobbs give a speech that many Arizonans have been waiting for.

Speaking to an audience of Black community leaders, she took real accountability for her role in propping up the discriminatory and unjust system that led to the firing of Talonya Adams from her job in the Legislature, and laid out an inclusive vision for serving this state as our next governor.

Last month, a jury found, for the second time in three years, that Adams was discriminated against in the way she was terminated by – among others – Katie Hobbs.

After that first verdict, many Black Democrats, including me, were shocked and angry to learn about Secretary Hobbs’ role in this matter. And as a vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party and co-chair of the Maricopa County

Democratic Party’s Black Engagement Committee, I knew I had an obligation to speak up.

So, in addition to meeting with prominent Black leaders in the Democratic Party to discuss how to address this issue, I publicly and forcefully criticized Secretary Hobbs for her role in participating in these injustices.

Since then, I have closely observed the work she has done to improve the lives of others and protect the rights of every Arizonan, especially when that work got tough.

I’ve seen Hobbs work to convince our Republican governor to remove the Confederate monuments from our Capitol grounds (even when removal was unpopular). I’ve watched her stand up to those who cast aspersions on Arizona’s election system, despite threats to her, her staff and her family.

And when Hobbs first came became secretary of state and came across a published report showing the pay inequity within our government, including her own office, she took immediate action to make sure everyone in her office was properly compensated.

Too often, many people fail to perceive the subtler, but equally violent, forms of racism that Black people experience every day: White women clutching their purses as a Black man walks by on the street; Black families being passed over for a home loan; Black women being fired from their job without receiving the benefit of the doubt in ways that white people routinely enjoy.

Black people routinely do not enjoy the benefit of the doubt in ways that white people always have. Every instance is another layer of the mental, emotional and sometimes physical toll that is always building up.

Talonya Adams bravely stood up to the systemic issues that persist in the halls of our government. And while she should be applauded for her righteous determination to seek justice, that she had to do so twice is unacceptable.

In recent days, Hobbs has met the moment and acknowledged the harm she caused to Adams. She privately and publicly apologized to all of us who had been disappointed in her conduct.

I chose to accept her apology. Adams and the rest of Arizona are free to decide whether to accept her apology.

Hobbs believes in a better Arizona, one that provides opportunities for all its residents. She knows that every single Arizonan deserves a world-class public education, no matter where they live.

She understands that communities of color disproportionately feel the impact of climate change, and is fighting for communities with less access to clean water and clean air. And she has tangible plans to create jobs and stimulate Arizona’s stagnant economy.

In 2019, I was the highest-ranking Democrat to speak out against Hobbs.

Today, I reaffirm my support for her, because I have witnessed her growth in her actions defending our state against misinformation, and the agenda she has set forward for Arizona when she is elected governor.

In my world, people can evolve and grow, and that is exactly what Hobbs has done.