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Page 8 The Skanner December 7, 2016 News Eboni K. Williams: The ‘2016 Presidential Election’ Interview By Kam Williams For The Skanner News E boni K. Williams is a popular po- litical and legal commentator you can catch on numerous FOX News Channel programs like Hannity, The O’Reilly Factor and The Kelly File. She also frequently serves as a co-host on Outnumbered and The Five. Prior to joining FOX, she worked as a corre- spondent at CBS News, as a contributor at the HLN network, and as a talk show host in L.A. on radio station KFI (640 on the AM dial). Raised by a single-mom, Eboni re- ceived a B.A. in Communications and African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her J.D. from Loyola Universi- ty College of Law in New Orleans. She began her professional career in Lou- isiana, clerking for the Secretary of State and the Attorney General’s Office as a law student. She worked for vari- ous politicians, too, including assisting City Council members in the New Or- leans rebuilding effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. . Eboni subsequently specialized in Family Law and Civil Litigation, pro- viding legal counsel on high-profile divorce, spousal support and child cus- tody cases. In 2008, she transitioned to Public Defender before returning to private practice in 2010. Here, she shares her thoughts about the election of Donald Trump. not have seen the likeliness of Trump’s success as far back as the primaries, her being such an avid Trump support- er from the start did help me keep my finger on the pulse. What many people felt was most important to them was change in Washington. Obama supporter. In this election, I wrote in a candidate. I rejected both of the major party candidates, and I wasn’t impressed by any of the third party can- didates. I’ve been very clear about the fact that my politics don’t follow party lines. they follow policy. I’m a lawyer by trade, and I’m particularly concerned about policies that make life better for communities I feel are underrepre- sented... whether that’s communities of color... women... or young people. But I’m really concerned about all people, because we’re all Americans, and I want opportunity for all of us. “Opportunity” is the key word. I think the Democrat- ic Party really got it wrong when they started describing their economic poli- cy in terms of “income inequality.” Well, in my playbook, income should reflect work effort, which is not always equal. KW: Tell me a little about your mom. EW: She’s a small business owner and the only parent that raised me. Everything I am I owe to her. She’s a brilliant businesswoman, not formal- ly educated. But she has incredible in- Eboni K. Williams stincts when it comes to business and leadership. She gives me counsel all states with industrial populations like the time in my career and other deal- Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. ings. And look, she called the election. So, I saw the potential for a Trump vic- She said, “You know what? He’s imper- tory, but as the campaign went on, I felt fect... He brags... He’s even rude... I’m that he was his own worst enemy. Even totally appalled by some of the things back during the primary season, I said he says about brown and black people the only person who can beat Donald and by the way he describes our com- Read the rest of this interview at Trump is Donald Trump. Though he munity. However, I really like and ap- TheSkanner.com prevailed in the primaries, I thought preciate his toughness, he’d done enough damage to himself his authenticity, his to take himself out of the game. But, authenticity and his on that point, I was wrong. He had a lot leadership qualities.” cont’d from pg 7 of different messages, but I would say She likes his prosper- the one that registered with most vot- ity and that he was cludes professional actress noted: “Anyone ers I spoke to was “Drain the swamp!” unapologetic about actors and musicians can relate to “Most Done It was a forceful call for change and finding ways to escape alongside members of Travelling. Who hasn’t indictment of everything that’s been paying personal and the ministry and local been on the road and going on in Washington for several corporate income tax- gospel choirs, is every bit weary and holding on to decades now. America’s just sick and es. And clearly, a lot of as enthusiastic. As they the fact that we’re almost tired of the gridlock in Congress and other Americans felt approach holiday favor- home? This is universal. of the inaction at every level of govern- the same way. ites like “Come All Ye We’re all connected.” ment. People found Trump’s message Tracy Jenkins, a gospel Faithful,” gospel classics of change to be such a complete anti- KW: How would you like “Hold on Just a Little singer since three, who KW: I have to start by asking what dote to that and so compelling that they describe yourself po- While Longer” and folk was new to theatre be- was your immediate reaction to the wrote this man a blank check. Think of litically? Most African spirituals like “Go Tell It fore last year’s produc- all the things he could do and not lose American commenta- election results? on the Mountain,” their tion of Black Nativity, EW: [Chuckles] Well, like most Amer- their support. Whether it was the Ac- tors on Fox are either joy and mutual respect is stresses the importance icans, including Trump supporters cess Hollywood tape or statements he way to the left or way of community: “We need palpable. and probably Donald Trump himself, made about communities of color or to the right, but with Elliott Young, former- to come together, all as I was surprised. I was surprised be- what not, people ultimately chose to you, it’s hard to dis- ly of the famous singing one,” Jenkins said. And cause the data leading up to the elec- overlook it, because they so believed in cern where you stand. group, the Coasters, has Minister and musician EW: I am a proud, tion didn’t show a lot of ways that this his ability to be a change agent. toured the world singing Quante Cole sums it up registered indepen- could happen. But a year ago, even and performing. Guided perfectly. “We lift our KW: I heard you say the other day that dent. I have voted for six months ago, I did see the potential by his older sister in a voices in song and sing candidates from both for this outcome. In fact, I bet a law- your own mother voted for Trump. gospel duet, Elliott per- ‘Hold on Just a Little EW: My mother has been on the the Democratic and yer friend of mine a steak dinner that formed his first trumpet While Longer,’ and we Trump would win, specifically, by Trump train since day one. And even Republican Parties. I solo at age seven. Young apply it to our current changing the electoral map in Rust Belt though I, like many in the media, might was a two-time Barack says that “gospel sing- situation,” Cole says. “We ers are real singers with find peace on the inside pure voices” and that and portray what we “everyone who aspires to want to see and be in the sing should to go church world. Families should and listen.” For this sea- come from all back- son, especially, Young grounds. Let’s bridge the says that coming to the gap!” play is an opportunity Black Nativity is spon- to take our minds off sored by The Collins current events. “This is Foundation and Ronni a perfect setting to inter- LaCroute. PassinArt: A Theatre act, put a smile on your face and look into your Company is an African producing heart. You’ll carry that American spirit away with you,” he theatre company whose mission is to entertain, says. At the recent rehearsal, educate, and inspire art- Shelley B. Shelley, a pro- ists and audiences while fessional actress, who addressing critical issues It is our primary goal as a labor union to better the lives of all people working in shares the Narrator role facing our community; the building trades through advocacy, civil demonstration, and the long-held belief with Pastor Black for this and to celebrate our histo- that workers deserve a “family wage” - fair pay for an honest day’s work. year’s performance, de- ry and culture. A family wage, and the benefits that go with it, not only strengthens families, but also scribed the musical mir- allows our communities to become stronger, more cohesive, and more responsive acle of this production. What: “Black Nativity” to their citizens’ needs. “There’s no sheet music; by Langston Hughes – A it’s all by ear,” she said. Joyful Noise! Our family wage agenda reflects our commitment to people working in the building trades, and “The musical director to workers everywhere. In this small way, we are doing our part to help people achieve the American Dream. Where: Greater St. listens to the score, gives Stephens This dream that workers can hold dear regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, creed, or religious beliefs. Missionary the singers the chords, Baptist Church, 3605 NE the singers have words Mallory Ave., Portland Do you want to know more about in front of them, and out When: December 2 becoming a Union carpenter? comes perfection.” Shel- through December 18, ley also loves the cultural Go to Representing more than 5,000 construction workers in Oregon State. 2016 (Fridays and Satur- retelling of the Nativity www.NWCarpenters.org days, 7:30 pm; and Sun- Story while stressing days-3:00 pm) the universality of the PORTLAND: 1636 East Burnside, Portland, OR 97214 | 503.261.1862 | 800.974.9052 gospel classics. With a Tickets available at HEADQUARTERS: 25120 Pacific Hwy S, Ste 200, Kent, WA 98032 | 253.954.8800 | 800.573.8333 big smile on her face, the www.passinart.net We honor the many accomplishments of African Americans. Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Black Nativity
