OPINION: Virginia Attorney General Herring admits to cooning too, amid black face controversy with Gov. Northam, should resign

Mona Austin

Pictured above: Journalist Mona Austin and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring

"Virginia is for Losers" is the headline on the cover of the New York post, prompted by the top three political leaders in the state being involved in controversies that could cost them their jobs. It is a sarcastic play on the states theme, "Virginia is for lovers." Two of the men in question, Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring are connected to reports about them wearing black face during their college years. Northam initially apologized when a photo of someone in black face standing next to someone in KKK garb emerged, then the next day held a press conference saying that it was not him in the pic. Herring came forth after rumors of a black face pic of him, admitting that he had indeed worn black face to in reflection of his favorite rapper. Then there is Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, the lone Black man in the upper ranks of state leadership. He has been accused of sexual assault, which he vehemently denies.

Obviously, all of these offenses are and not befitting of elected officials. The allegations reveal that their public facing selves are quite different than the people they are behind closed doors. I find each of the accusations repulsive. However, the difference is that Northam and Herring's conduct is not limited to their personal lives. They promoted a racial stereotype in wearing Black face. Black face, is a form of "cooning." It originated in theatre whereby Whites darkened their skin with shoe polish and exaggerated the speech, mannerisms and attitudes of Blacks in a debasing fashion. In one regard it was a form of racist satire, in another it was a way to prevent Blacks from playing themselves in theatrical productions and later on screen. It is also important to note that wearing extreme dark skin and acting ignorant and shiftless was the basis of Black stereotypes. While black face became somewhat normal among whites as costumes over the years, it has always been considered offensive and had a belittling effect for Blacks. Note: The word "Coonman" was under the headshot of Northam in his medical school yearbook from Eastern Virginia University. Moreover, when Whites wear Black face it could represent a subconscious yearning for a deeper complexion, yet humor is used to maintain the posture of dominance. There is no sound justification for anyone, particularly those in political leadership to ever participate in a historically offensive act and continue to lead. This is embarrassing for the state and for me. Let me explain. . .

I am pictured here with VA Attorney General Mark Herring. In the fall of 2018, I interviewed Herring for The Slice Radio Report at a VOICE event about his work on legislation to eliminate the cash bail system.  I did not know at the time that I was being photographed with a man who would later admit to wearing black face, which is the physical equivalent to using the "n-word."  I do not typically take photos when working, but requested this one for my memories since it represented me getting back to work on the scene after being ill. When I asked for a photo Herring mumbled, "As long as you tweet it."  (I posted it on FB.)

As an African American, I have always been aware of the potential of people from other races wearing the  "hidden hood," but learned to navigate life in spite of this awareness.   Today, however, I am disappointed to have recorded a significant personal life/career moment with a person who once mocked my ancestors.  Yuck! Moreover, surviving covert and overt racism unfortunately has been a way of life for me in Virginia and frankly, it is exhausting. It takes energy to block the microaggressions of co-workers, parents and teachers at schools or cashiers at the mall who you instinctively know are pre-judging you simply because you are Black and find ways to discriminate against you. That I can deal with, but I can't unthink the bastardly behavior Northam allegedly displayed or what Herring admitted to doing. Herring only came forth before someone else exposed his actions. If Gov. Ralph Northam was not exposed for allegedly wearing black face, Herring may have never admitted to his racist conduct.  We will never know if he or other politicians who court the black vote are truly repented, reformed racists.

I was thinking about what "young and dumb" antic a Black person could do that would be similar to wearing black face and came up with nothing. It's just not how most Black people are wired. Black people have historically been defenseless when taunted, lynched or killed. We are taught that we should use our voices to protest racism and our vote is our voice. Herring a former conservative-turned-Democrat depended on Black voters. If White men who are in electable positions wear black face and remain in office, then the Black vote is disempowered. Our voice, the only real ammunition in the arsenal of Black social protest is dimmed. But, it is not just Blacks who want these men to step down. The chorus of outrage consists of other sensitive individuals across the board calling for their resignation. If Fairfax is guilty of the allegations against him he must step down as well. Thus far, none of the tainted leaders have given up their seats and there does not appear to be any legal way to remove them, except potentially in the case of the Lt. Gov. The Commonweatlh can take this opportunity to start over with a clean slate. But ofcourse, it is not that simple, especially since the next person in line is a Republican. In light of the National Prayer Breakfast that was held in Washington today, I pray that America as a nation will atone for the sin of slavery and the Lord will have mercy on the state where it all began, Virginia. With God all things are possible.

Herring, Northam and other directly racist or racist adjacent politicians should not remain in office on the local, state or national level. It sends a damning message that victims of hate must tolerate it. This is an opportunity for Virginia to press reset on racist, partisan politics and Africans Americans to state some demands that will ensure leaders have their best interest at heart, the least of which is respect.