The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

First, the news…

18 blacks would lose jobs under plan (Suntines.com)

Mayor Daley’s plan to professionalize a department designed to create “one-stop shopping” for Chicago businesses ran into a buzz-saw of opposition Friday from aldermen furious that the upgrade will cost 18 black women their jobs.

African-American aldermen portrayed the move as a heartless purge motivated by race on the eve of the holiday season. Business and Licensing Director Scott Bruner, who is black, insisted the motive was professionalism.

The targeted employees hold the titles of “liquor license analyst” and “business license representative.” The new position will be called “business consultant.” To qualify, applicants must be college graduates with experience as business advisers.

New punching bag?

“Somebody decided that white businesspeople needed to talk to white people. And you want to get rid of these sisters. That’s why you’re making the change. That’s what it’s going to look like,” said Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th), who led the parade of aldermen who unloaded on Bruner during Friday’s budget hearing. (more…)

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The article does go on to say that these women are being offered to work in other positions, just not in their revamped posts. Yet somehow this is still considered a racist act to want qualified applicants.