Niggah, Please!

Carl Singley's upset because Street "dissed" him in front of white folks. It's a black male thang; gets like that sometimes. But, if it isn't that black male thang, why hasn't Singley explored the possibility of the best Democratic candidate to challenge Street, regardless of race or gender? The only names he mentioned as potential challengers were Evans and Nutter. Therefore, his gripe is that black male thang. Singley's just mad because the protege bested the mentor.

Instead of Singley contacting the Tribune, New Observer, Sunday Sun, WDAS, WHAT and/or WURD for exclusives to speak with his "black constituency" about Street, he ran like a bitch to the Inquirer in the midst of the "black constituency's" boycott against the Daily News' alleged racist journalism. To whom does Singley speak and where does he go to hear the voices of the "black constituency"? Did the black press kick Singley to the curb?

Singley niggahrized the "black constituency" because his anger was directed at black people associated with John Street. His full-throttle, intra-racist elitism needs to be checked. As is always the case with many blacks in politics, he did Massa's work through his rightful position, HNIC -- House Niggah In Charge. When asked by Cohen and Rendell to "speak with" Street, the HNIC obligingly performed the tasks of showing Massa's children (Street and company) their "place" and keeping them "in check." Singley's primary role in the Democratic party was this: The number of black voters he can put in his pocket in exchange for crumbs from Massa's plate.

Another interesting point: Singley's abrupt jump from Democrat to Republican. When he joined Blank Rome LLP, his role was that of affirmative action compliance official: bringing more blacks to the firm. But Singley failed miserably. Although change is slow for North, West and Southwest Philadelphia, it's even slower at Blank Rome LLP, a Republican-controlled law firm. Oh Lawdy, why de pot call de kettle black?

Blacks voted for Street because the Democratic party chose him. In the past, they voted for white candidates over black candidates: Rizzo and Rendell became mayors. Without black votes, Philadelphia would have elected a Republican mayor years ago. At least Democrats include the ghetto; Republicans remain exclusive. Therefore, the primary factor for Street's victory over Katz was about party loyalty.

Ghetto blacks voted against Katz because he is a defector -- liberal Democrat to fiscally conservative Republican is a 180-degree turnaround -- and did not campaign for ghetto votes until late in his 1999 campaign. But since 1999, has anyone seen Katz walking through the ghetto and making acquaintances? Has Katz reached out to black voters in preparation for another run at mayor? And Singley is wrong about the white vote in South Philadelphia because Jimmy Tayoun supports Street/Rendell and he still controls South Philly politics, not Anna Verna. Therefore, race is secondary because Democrats visit the ghetto; Republicans are afraid of it.

Singley mentioned nothing about Katz's campaign strategies, his stances on education, safety, blight/economic development or how Katz will make Philadelphia better. But he felt it necessary to air his dirty laundry and put black folk in check. Even Katz knows Singley lacks recognition, penetration and representation in the ghetto. Has the ghetto seen Singley walking the streets pumping up Katz's political attributes?

Katz needs a percentage of ghetto votes to win, but has no credible black Republicans penetrating the ghettoes. His strategists know Richard Glanton can't buy 500 ghetto votes and that the Republican Party has no Grand Ole Daddy of black Republicans. Don't send us Singley; send Kenny Gamble. We're sure Gamble can get 75,000 ghetto votes for Katz.

Since Katz's strategists have no ghetto strategy, they resorted to "divide and conquer" to emotionalize Philadelphia's "black constituency." Shame on Katz's strategists for promoting and propagandizing racial and intra-racial discord. And shame on Singley for starring as Uncle Carl in "Song of Philadelphia: Singley Sings the Blues."

Furthermore, if Singley doesn't like Street's politics, why didn't he start a recall campaign and why isn't he challenging Street? It's obvious he fails the residency requirement and has been banished from the Democratic party. If you think we're wrong, at whose tables did Singley sit during Governor Rendell's inauguration galas? Singley and Katz must think the ghetto is stuck on stupid. Niggah (Singley) and Nigger (Katz), please!

Singley made himself the judge, prosecutor and jury of Street's mayoralty. Carl Singley is just an old, bitter Svengali whose student bested him. Now we know why he harbors many resentments and much bitterness. He should have worn cuff links.

Before we go, ponder this: "We (ghetto blacks) are never included in the planning process, but we're dependent upon it for the success of the plan."

Tarcistah Buetta Maddalay Dray-Mae Deville and Carol D. Tart are Philadelphia freelance writers.

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