CA muffles a vital voice

Cherisse A. Scott, Memphis

I was sad and disappointed to hear that Wendi Thomas had been given a new assignment to “lead expanded coverage of crime and justice in the Memphis area” (June 8 Editor’s Note). In the opinion of some, it may look like she has received a promotion. Those of us who have followed Wendi’s columns for the past 10 years and are more than acquainted with her values, passions and beliefs find it hard to believe that being relegated to chasing stories at 201 Poplar is a decision that will enhance Wendi’s career and prospects as a talented journalist.

I consider this turn of events an unfortunate attempt to silence Wendi’s voice — a voice that has unapologetically offered an analysis about issues that impact the most vulnerable of residents in Memphis. These issues include the attack on women’s bodily autonomy, racial and LGBT equality, sexual assault and homelessness.

Moreover, losing her voice means that there are now no columnists of color or women columnists on the staff of The Commercial Appeal. In a city whose population far exceeds 60 percent African-American, our voices — female black voices in particular — no longer have a space to offer a critical narrative via a platform that reaches so many. This is unacceptable.

Her ability to tease out race, sex and class issues — even with the constant vehement backlash of persons who disagree with her — is just the type of discussion that is critical to moving us forward as a city composed of people from many backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.

If the priority of your newspaper is to focus on topics of importance to your readers, I suggest you rethink the reassignment of Thomas that, for me, reeks of demotion, sexism and racism.