Two “woke” activists falsely accused a black man of wearing blackface, then doubled down after learning that the person they were attacking was, in fact, African American.
The pair of diversity advocates in Arizona were exposed after they claimed a school district was racist because it hired a DJ to perform in “blackface.”
But after going public with their false allegations, they learned the DJ they were smearing was black.
Stuart Rhoden and Jill Lassen specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
They trashed the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Hopi Elementary PTA for hiring local black DJ Kim Koko Hunter, 56, to perform at a charity event.
Rhoden and Lassen saw a picture and jumped to the wrong conclusion but that didn’t stop them from screaming loudly.
The activists got a rude awakening when a district official responded to point out that Hunter is black.
“The DJ that the Hopi PTA hired was, in fact, a black man,” Hopi PTA president Megan Livengood wrote to Lassen in a message.
“It is insulting that you feel myself or PTA condone racist behavior or encourage it by posting on social media.”
Amanda Wray, a school activist, says the pair refused to adequately apologize for their actions.
“When these community activists were informed that their accusations were wrong, they didn’t apologize, they doubled down.
“The SPC is so intent on finding racism they will go so far as to accuse a member of one of the communities they claim to advocate for of reprehensible behavior.”
Lassen who is white responded to the backlash, saying: “You are right, we should’ve reached out and inquired before making such accusations.
“I cannot fathom the hurt, anger, and frustration you felt after you and others volunteered countless hours on your event. Again I truly apologize.”
But Rhoden, who is an instructor at Arizona State University, and who is an African American, doubled down.
Rhoden continued to allege that Hunter looked like he darkened his face in the picture.
“Let me be clear, a black man, apparently in blackface is an entirely different discussion than a white person.
“However, I did not state that the person was white.
“It was assumed that was my intent, and perhaps it was, but nonetheless, looking on his FB page (photos below), it seems at the very least he is in darker make-up if not ‘blackface’ or I am completely mistaken and it’s the lighting of the patio.
“So here’s what I want to say.
“I apologize to dude for the implication, but the sentiment still stands.
“Blackface by anyone, in this day and age is problematic.
“I also apologize to folks who reposted and made other statements based on my assumption.”
Kim Koko Hunter was hired to DJ the @scottsdaleUsd PTA Disco Night. An amazing evening, raised $300k+ for Hopi. Monday morning @SPC_AZ & Dr. DEI himself, Stuart Rhoden and DEI Chairs Jill Lassen & Brad Duell accuse Koko, a black man, of blackface. Racist see racism everywhere. pic.twitter.com/TjKKM1FbAc
— Amanda Wray (@AmandaWray) April 13, 2022
Stop funding this woke hate group! @spc_Az @kimkokohunter is just the latest, there is a 2 year history of attacks in the community, while they invoice your PTO. https://t.co/MCNH9eLPLq
— Amanda Wray (@AmandaWray) April 15, 2022
. @SPC_AZ uses parent $ to fund a DEI committee that attacks community members, the very ones they proclaim to advocate for. Please sign and share to make your voice heard! @kimkokohunter @ryanshauningram https://t.co/1tdXdygsmf
— Amanda Wray (@AmandaWray) April 15, 2022
