An interesting power dynamic has developed at Philadelphia's city hall between opposing advisors to Mayor John F. Street. On the one hand, prominent black aides. On the other, an outspoken official who is black and gay. You can guess who lost.
For the past two years, attorney Michael P. Williams (left) has headed the city's Minority Business Enterprise Council. This week he is out, "moved to a behind-the-scenes job in the city Law Department." But it's not too shabby—Williams keeps his $97k salary.
In April 2004, (former) mayoral ally Bruce Crawley (right) criticized Street for appointing Williams, accusing the mayor of disregarding the black business community in favor of a political deal with the gays. Street said Crawley opposed Williams simply because he is gay, a charge Crawley flatly rejected. Since then, the mayor and Crawley have fallen out of favor.
Fast forward two "stormy" years. "Though the administration poured more staff and money into MBEC, Williams had a checkered reputation at best, angering Council by not responding to questions and making enemies within city and state government." To complicate matters, Williams failed to meet minority-purchasing goals ... not good news in a city that is more than 56 minority. BTW, we realize it is dicey to categorize the "majority" population as "minority", but see Rachel for more on this one.
On a personal note, Mr. Williams' personal story is quite fascinating. The Philadelphia Daily News named him one of 21 “People to Watch in 2005." He graduated from Temple University in 1993 and is already a trustee of the respected institution.
Minority-biz Chief Williams Out (Philadelphia Daily News)
Trustee Michael P. Williams (Temple Online)
A. Bruce Crawley (History Makers)
Great story, thanks. But it sounds like Mr. Williams was a diva who was more talk than action.
Posted by: patrick s | 10 May 2006 at 20:12
Yeah, Mr. Williams wasn't too popular among black gays in Philly--he was closer to the white guys. But his life story is inspirational, he's a champion. Mr. Crawley's a typical Philadelphia hyper-masculine Negro. The majority minority in Filthadelphia reeks of that.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 12 May 2006 at 10:40
As a straight black woman,
I used to live in Philadelphia.
It was a very homophobic city,
all around not a great place
to live. I'm back in the Midwest
where people are actually NICE!!!
I feel sorry for anyone who has
to live there, straight or gay!
Posted by: Mari | 06 September 2007 at 14:39