By Kolby R. LaMarche

On May 26, the City’s Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Committee meeting, chaired by Progressive Councilor Melo Grant and attended by Councilors Becca Brown McKnight and Buddy Singh, was marked by palpable tension stemming from the previous week’s general city council meeting. The friction centered on a recently passed resolution addressing concerns from downtown businesses.

The meeting began with routine proceedings, but the atmosphere shifted when Councilor Grant remarked, “There has been some controversy about feeding people, apparently.”

Her comment appeared to reference the prior council meeting’s issues, which struck a chord with Councilor McKnight. No doubt still energized from the earlier debate, McKnight quickly challenged Grant’s statement. “I just want to do a quick fact check,” McKnight said. “I didn’t hear anyone last night having any problems with feeding people…the problem was with locations.”

As McKnight spoke, Grant visibly reacted, squishing her face and offering a smile before responding, “With all due respect, um, I have to disagree with you.” McKnight pressed further, questioning Grant’s characterization. “I’m just wondering if you can provide an example of someone who said they didn’t think we should feed people,” she said. “That’s a really dangerous and damaging narrative.”

The exchange escalated as Grant launched into a five-minute monologue, addressing a room of just four people, including committee members and City staff. The discussion grew more personal when Grant accused McKnight and the broader Democratic caucus of classism. McKnight responded sharply, “I just want to note for the record that the chair of the REIB committee is accusing another councilor of being classist…Councilor Grant, you don’t know anything about me!”

Grant countered with a pointed reference to private text messages uncovered earlier in the year by Seven Days. “I’ve read your texts, Becca! I’ve read your texts,” she said, 

As the argument intensified, REIB Office Director Christian Berry intervened to restore order. Berry, moderating the virtual meeting, muted both Grant and McKnight on Zoom. “I’m not trying to be disrespectful, I’m trying to be mindful,” Berry explained, attempting to de-escalate the situation and refocus the committee on its agenda.

EARLIER THIS YEAR…

At a meeting of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Planning Assembly earlier in March, Councilor Grant, Democrat Councilor Mark Barlow, and Democrat Councilor Evan Litwin joined the community discussion. 

On topic that night: downtown public safety. In this case, too, Councilor Grant became frustrated by the discussion, particularly with Councilor Evan Litwin – who was invited to the meeting to speak about public safety. In this case, the moderator-to-be was Chris Hasley, active NPA member for former Mayoral candidate, who made numerous hockey-references to cool down tensions.  

At the end of the meeting, though, while Councilor Litwin was speaking, Grant interjected, stood up, and abruptly approached Litwin, arms wide-open, before stating “you know what, I don’t have to talk to a white man,” Grant remarked.