The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People is
moving in the right direction. Most
within the powerful group are standing behind their man. Philip Cousin will remain the chair after
being appointed as Joe Bowser’s replacement on the Durham Board of County Commissioners.
The question of conflict of interest was raised by
some within the organization. The
Rev-elution suggested the possible conflict could serve as a diversion during
an important election season. That concern was squashed at a recent meeting
where the masses rallied in support of Cousin and refuted all claims that the
DCABP constitution forbids an elected official from serving as the chair.
Support for Cousin is a result of the organization
moving in a positive direction. “I
personally think he is doing an excellent job,” says Lottie Hayes, a long time
member of the DCABP. “I’m very impressed with the way he handles the meetings.”
Hayes is not alone in her assessment of Cousin. Chuck Watts, vice-chair of the political
committee, feels the DCABP is moving in the right direction. Watts expressed concern that Cousin’s
appointment to the Board of County Commissioners could serve as a distraction
from the work of the DCABP, by commends Cousin’s leadership style.
The question of the constitution was addressed at the
August 2nd meeting. Members
of the legal redress committee affirmed the lack of mention in the constitution
that forbids an elected official serving as chair. It was noted that the issue was raised before
Cousin decided to consider replacing Bowser on the Board of County Commissioners.
The strong support for Cousin, combined with the
progress within the DCABP, speaks loudly regarding the difference Cousin has
made as chair. Cousin has focused on
reestablishing the integrity of the office he holds with the DCABP. Doing that meant forcing the committees to
function with a higher level of accountability.
He has served as a great administrator by helping the DCABP remember the
reasons behind it being formed years ago.
The questions regarding Cousin staying on as chair
were, in part, rooted in the madness of former days. The DCABP has been riddled with inconsistent
leadership that was based more on the personality of the one in charge than the
agenda at hand. Cousin has set people
free to manage the work they have been charged to complete. He is not a micromanager. He is not fighting to be heard or lobbying
for control.
Cousin is fighting to make a difference.
At the end of the day, it’s not Cousin’s fault that
Joe Bowser stepped down as a member of the Board of County Commissioners. It’s not his fault that he was the best
person to take the seat. It’s part of
the burden of being gifted and focused on the goal at hand. The membership of the DCABP had a decision to
make. Would they be ruled by what has
always been, or would they move forward while trusting the one they have chosen
to lead them.
The DCABP has chosen to trust. They trust because they
have all been freed to serve. That
leadership was put to a test. The people
have spoken. Cousin will lead the way.
It’s the best thing that has happened to the DCABP in
a long time. It’s no longer about who’s
in charge. It’s about the people
deciding to make a difference.
Let the masses go back and serve.
The time has come.
Chucky & Phillip....the Dynamic Duo :-)
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