Video: In Speech Honoring Black History Month, Fairfax School Board Member Karen Keys-Gamarra Decries Note Expressing Desire to “Tar and Feather” Her

Thanks to Matt Rogers for the “heads up” on this powerful Black History Month speech by Fairfax County School Board member Karen Keys-Gamarra. See below for video of the part where Keys-Gamarra talks about a note she received expressing interest in “tarr[ing] and feather[ing]” her – something that, as Keys-Gamarra notes, was historically used (along with lynchings, cross burnings, etc.) to intimidate African Americans and to “tell them where their place is.” As Keys-Gamarra stated, “I want to state this unequivocally, my place today is at this dais!”

Also, see below for video of the entire speech by Keys-Gamarra, including her proclamation honoring Black History Month and her comments about the need to teach American history – “all of it” (obviously including Black history, which as Keys-Gamarra stated, IS American history). Very powerful; thanks to Keys-Gamarra for this speech, for her service, and also for her courage, in serving her community at a time when language like “tarring and feathering” is seen by too many people as “legitimate political discourse.”

Here is my friend @Keys_Gamarra during a speech on Black History Month calling out whoever sent her a note expressing their interest in “tarring and feathering” her — ⚠️ which is NOT legitimate political discourse. ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/3c0kHXg2fH

— Matt Rogers 🎙 (@Politidope) February 19, 2022

“Until we teach the full breadth of the American experience, there will be those who reach back to use the tactics of the past to try to gain advantage.” — @Keys_Gamarra pic.twitter.com/0GGkjzLRIy

— Matt Rogers 🎙 (@Politidope) February 19, 2022