A tasteless “Amos and Andy” type delivery of a joke at Tuesday’s meeting has caused one member of Knoxville’s oldest Rotary club to resign and many others to express concern.
Members say that at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, long-time member Joe Johnson told a joke from the podium about fighter Mike Tyson and used in his delivery a stereotypical mockery of African American dialect.
Phyllis Nichols, the only black female and one of only three African Americans in the some 200-member club, stood up and walked out. Later she sent a letter to the club president tendering her resignation.
Nichols, who is the very well-respected president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League, confirmed the incident but said she didn’t want to discuss it very much for this blog post. “This is not an indictment of Rotary and I’m afraid that’s what it would look like. I’d rather just walk away,” she said.
Others, however, were discussing the incident very much at various gatherings since that time. Ellen Fowler, of Johnson and Galyon Construction, said she wrote a letter to the board regarding the incident. “I expressed my displeasure with what happened and said we have to do something,” she said this morning. Fowler said she said in her letter that she considered resigning herself but decided against it because she hopes she can make a bigger difference by remaining a club member and trying to change things from the inside.
Another club member, Lucille Griffo, said she also was offended.”The joke included a distortion of correct English and a reference to Mike Tyson,” she said. “Knowing that 99.9 percent of the people in the room were white, I’d say it was insensitive.”
Griffo added that the incident perhaps was indicative more of a lack of awareness than malice. “There is a great deal of unawareness of how things we used to take for granted are not appropriate. But when we are made aware and you continue to do it because you just don’t care, then shame on you,” she said.
Johnson (the founder of A&W Office Supply – not the former UT president) said today that he meant no offense. “I used Mike Tyson in the joke because he is a big strong fighter. I could just as easily have used a white person,” he said. “I am sorry if I offended anyone.” Johnson said he would call Nichols to apologize.
Most everyone I’ve talked to yesterday and today said they don’t think Johnson intentionally meant to be offensive. Club president Sam Albritton of Region’s Bank said he has a call in to Johnson to discuss the matter.
For his part, Albritton said he didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation as it was occurring but he does now. “I felt a little embarrassed that I didn’t recognize what was taking place,” he said. “I’m told it was a parody of ‘Amos and Andy,’ but I’m 49 and I wasn’t around when that show was on. But I have researched and looked at it since Tuesday.”
Albritton said he hopes he can convince Nichols to stay in the club.
“We have a goal to have more diversification in our club,” he said. “But we have not executed very well. I’m an eternal optimist. Let’s take this as an opportunity and try to make something postitive out of it.
“The whole race thing is a tough one,” he said. Albritton mentioned the need to recruit more African American, Hispanic and Asian members.
Alghough the downtown Rotary, whose formal name is the Rotary Club of Knoxville, has never had a black president, it has had one female president. Townes Osborn was president in 2002-2003. Albritton said he currently has three female board members who are invaluable to the club’s operation. “I don’t know what we’d do without our female members,” he said.
Several years ago the same Rotary Club made national news when members started their meeting by singing “Dixie.” The guest speaker at that particular meeting was the African American president of Middle Tennessee State University.
FOLLOW-UP: At the regular Downtown Rotary meeting this Tuesday, following publication of an article on Page One of the News Sentinel, Joe Johnson apologized to the membership for his comments.
Although I don’t know what the joke was, it’s unacceptable to make a joke that insults blacks or any other minority group. I’ll be glad when Knoxville as a whole finally comes around and is more accepting and inclusive of folks of all stripes.
This is truly unfortunate and it’s not a matter of being “politically correct”.
The original radio characters of Amos and Andy were created by two, white actors, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll in 1928; and, they too, mimicked dialect as perceived during that time period. It was a stereotypical portrayal of an “Uncle Tom” and a not-so-bright sidekick.
I applaud Ms. Fowler for walking out and her subsequent resignation. While the Rotary Club does much for the community, there’s no room for this type of subtle (or, not so subtle?) racism in the 21st century. Whether you mimic Amos ‘n Andy, Jose Jimeniz or Aunt Jemima, it’s offensive to those who believe in the work done by civil rights and the people they worked to elevate to equal social status.
Racism, sadly, appears to be on the rise. It may be subtle. The word may be bantered about to make a political point. However it’s used, It’s still not right. And, it’s still not funny.
Susan: FYI. Phyllis Nichols walked out. Ellen Fower wrote a letter but decided to stay in and try to change things from the inside.
Oops. My bad. Sorry…but, good for Ms. Nichols!
Agreed.
I am trying to sum up my feelings in one word after reading about this but can’t. When will people get it? And, when will Knoxville get it?
As a former member of Downtown Rotary I am truly saddened that this incident has occurred. Phyllis has taken the right action. Phyllis represents African Americans throughout the City and should not be expected to tolerate any comments or jokes with racial overtones. Hopefully Sam and Joe will apologize to and talk with her as this could be a learning moment for the organization.
Great scoop, Mox, but sad commentary on us all in 2009.
I applaud Phyllis for her actions, but I’m also saddened that she and others had to endure such an insult. When did we become such an uncivil and insensitive society (attributes which are now mocked as “politically correct”)? Treat others as you would like to be treated. How hard is that?
At some point in time we move beyond the allowance for excuses. We have an African American President now. Civil Rights legislation has existed more than 40 years. It is simply unacceptable in this century. Phyllis is a strong woman and has responded with dignity. I support her decision entirely.
Jenny Hines
I’m sorry to say I’m not surprised by this incident. I remember an inappropriate comment referencing race being made by an older gentleman at the podium when I spoke at one of their meetings last year. I cringed when he said it, but could tell he had no clue about how offensive his joke was.
Phyllis did the right thing. It’s time to stop sitting there politely and saying nothing when these types of incidents occur. Thank you, Phyllis!
Kim Trent
I’ve known Phyllis Nichols all of my life. I know she isn’t thin skinned when it comes to racial matters. If she was offended; trust me, it was offensive! If the Rotary Club takes no action on this incident, I suppose we should expect their next fund raiser to feature pancakes and “Lil Black Sambo.” (Someone will undoubtedly have to explain that stereotype to some of their members too).
Good for Phyllis and shame on all of us who tolerate such offensive comments. This is not the first and not the only in Rotary… from sexist comments, to racist comments to insensitivity to religious faiths other than Christianity. I resigned my membership several days ago.
I just hope white members walked out as well.
Joe Johnson is one of the finest citizens in Knoxville and I am sure he meant no offense to Ms. Nichols or any african-americans. He has donated more money than most of us will make in our lifetime.
While I am quite sure that Mr. Johnson meant no harm, Ms. Nichols reaction is very understandable. Any remarks, regardless of intent, that draw upon and implicitly legitimize racial stereotypes are hurtful. How does one get beyond the fact of feeling that the laughter that follows is not at his or her expense. I hope folks can work things out and that Phyllis can end up back in a wiser and ultimately more effective Rotary. She has done great work in our City in so many ways through her leadership in the Urban League. Any organization is better when she is involved.
I was reminded of this when I came home tonight…
the Rotary FOUR WAY TEST in the things we think, say, or do: 1. Is It the Truth 2. Is It Fair To All Concerned 3. Will It Build Goodwill and Better Friendship 4. Will It be Beneficial To All Concerned.
You hit it right on, Angel. So, what are we, the members who want something better for our Rotary Club, going to do about it?
My husband Doug and I are both members of the downtown Rotary Club. We love our club, and we also love Phyllis Nichols. I would have done the same thing she did, if I felt my fundamental identity was being ridiculed. As one who silently suffered sexual harrassment in the 70’s workplace, I know the damage to self-esteem that results from not responding to slights large and small.
I only hope that somehow Phyllis can be persauded to rejoin Rotary. We really need her for many reasons.
This unfortunate turn of events has left all of us feeling flummoxed. I wasn’t present on Tuesday, but have heard a lot about what was said. There is quite a bit of depth of insensitivity as to “different” people, and I hope that the club will use this incident as a reason to live up to its credo. What I find equally offensive is the remarkably racist joke that has been posted to the News-Sentinel’s web site’s comments area, and attributed to the Rotary Club. That is NOT what was said, and the News-Sentinel ought to be ashamed for allowing that post to remain. “theratpack” ought also to be exposed for the true racist he/she is.
Talk about a “teachable moment”! We have all had experiences in life when our behavior was at odds with what we want to be and have changed our beliefs so our hearts are changed forever. I hope that the Downtown Rotary can learn to have a change of heart and come to see the blessing of diversity in our world. We have all been lessened by the racial divide in our country and I hope that this “teachable moment” becomes a healing experience.
I suppose it’s inevitable that offensive remarks will occasionally continue to be made, since some people learn faster than others in our society. It’s just an unpleasant fact of life. If we accept this inevitability, then we can see it for what it is: a gradually-disappearing holdover from times past. We all agree that the event in question was offensive — but let’s not forget how far we’ve come as a society. Let’s also hope that we continue to make progress, as I’m sure we will. This can certainly be an opportunity for discussion, learning — and healing. I hope Ms. Nichols can find it in her heart to reengage with the Rotary; that would allow the discussion, learning and healing to continue in the most effective way, to everyone’s benefit.
Thanks to everyone for your very, very thoughtful comments. I see they are continuing even today. You all make me proud.
I shudder to think of the distasteful “jokes” bantered about at the Rotary and other organizations before the inclusion of minority members. Mary is absolutely correct. Diversity is a blessing so let us embrace it.
Goodness, this is sad, yet hopefully opportune…on many levels. Knowing both Phyllis and Joe and as past member of Downtown Rotary, a female, and as one who believes Knoxville is a great community, not without blemish, but worth uniting, this deserves a response. First, in support of equality, decency, and respect for diversity the comments made on BlueStreak are spot on. Phyllis, we are with you and all for which you stand! No one should be made to feel less at the expense of another, joke or no joke, it is wrong and should not be tolerated…black, white, rich, poor, male, female, democrat, republican and everything in between. In a spirit of healing, not dividing, you need to know that Joe Johnson is a man whose works and Christian heart do more in the name of diversity, charity and servant leadership than you can imagine. He is known by his values and compassionate nature, a legacy now shared and demonstrated by his three sons and their families. If you knew his heart, and what he intended, these results could not be further apart. Joe’s true concern for Phyllis and others is evident when upon learning how the remark offended, he immediately took responsibility to reach out and apologize. Bottom line, if our good President can admit his words hurt, and reaches out to do what is right I know Joe is willing to do the same. (Perhaps some Tennessee Tea is in order.) There is a time for everything and with our encouragement to harness the energy and opportunity around this combined with Phyllis’s visionary nature, I suspect she will accept his apology and seize the great potential to work together towards more awareness and a better Knoxville. They are both good folks and need to be on the same team.
Tuesday, September 1 at our meeting and on the 94th birthday of the Rotary Club of Knoxville, Joe Johnson offered a substantial and heartfelt apology to all members, including Phyllis. Thank you, Joe! I am so sorry that Phyllis was not present to have heard your words.
Thanks, Amy. This morning I put an update on the bottom of the post to reflect that.
Thank you, Cynthia!!
I am sure that Mr, Johnson has done many wonderful things in Knoxville, and I certainly applaud his community spirit. But the danger is that if we excuse those in power simply because there was no harm intended, we are taking enormous steps backwards. We can give our money easily, but the sensitivity must reside in our hearts and be a large part of who we are.. As a Christian and a member of the human race, Mr. Johnson should have known better.
I was not present when the remarks were made at the August meeting of our Downtown Rotary. I am so inspired by Phyllis Nichols’ leadership and equally inspired by all these forum comments. Our country’s new president campaigned on “one America” – and Knoxville is indeed one of those great American communities. Our Rotary 4-way Test posted earlier has to be our daily mantra – so that we are also “one Rotary” – with incredible diversity that lifts all of us up. Thank you Cynthia, for opening the door here.
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives