How This Former Warehouse Worker Secured A $132K Tech Role Without A Bachelor’s Degree
A 33-year-old Scrum Master reveals her journey to success.
Meet Shanelle Gibson, a 33-year-old Scrum Master now earning $132,000 annually—just a decade after working 12-hour warehouse shifts for barely $15 an hour—without a college degree.
“Whether you succeed in college or not doesn’t define who you are as a person,” she told CNBC Make It as part of its Ditching the Degree series.
“You can read books and take boot camps online; there are so many ways to improve your skills. Whatever it is that you want to do, if you have the right attitude and put the work in, you’ll achieve it.”
It all began in 2015 when Gibson, then 23, had an epiphany while folding clothes in a warehouse. She realized her current job wasn’t the career path she envisioned.
Gibson watched as friends graduated from college and launched high-paying careers. At the same time, she navigated her own path after leaving Valdosta State University in Georgia to avoid piling up student loan debt.
“I just had this ‘aha moment’ where I looked around at these mountains of boxes and tired people working alongside me and thought, ’I shouldn’t be here; I feel like I’m destined for more than this minimum wage job. I’m not happy in,” Gibson recalled. “That propelled me to quit and just start applying everywhere.”
Determined to make a change, Gibson uploaded her resume to Craigslist, where a hiring manager at ParkingSoft, a parking management software startup, spotted her application and invited her to interview for a phone dispatcher role at its Atlanta office. After securing the job, Gibson quickly impressed her team and was promoted within weeks to customer support analyst due to her initiative in solving customer issues rather than simply passing calls to the service team.
The experience, along with her previous work in retail, all aided in Gibson’s transition into Scrum Master work.
“That job started my tech career,” she said. “All of the technical skills I learned doing that job – from SQL [a programming language] to JIRA [project tracking software] made me a more confident, competitive candidate for higher-paying tech jobs, even without a degree.”
After holding several customer service roles, Gibson grew increasingly frustrated with the monotony of the work. A friend suggested she explore becoming a Scrum Master. After further review, Gibson decided to take a $400 two-day course at Scrum Alliance.
According to Coursera, a Scrum Master is “to use Agile project management to champion a project, teams, and team members. Since Scrum Masters can work in many settings, your tasks and responsibilities may vary. Depending on where you work, you may find yourself taking on the role of a facilitator, coach, or project manager.”
Not long after earning her certification, Gibson secured her first Scrum Master position at UnitedHealthcare. In 2022, she advanced her career by joining her current company as a lead Scrum Master, earning an annual salary of well over $100,000.
“I knew that I was capable and hardworking, but society tells us that you need a college degree to land a high-paying job,” she said. “Hitting that milestone helped me realize that there’s no special formula to earning six figures; it’s up to you to decide how hard you’re willing to work toward that goal and not let something like a degree requirement limit you.”
The FTC Finds United Health’s OptumRX Is Engaged In Widespread Price Gouging
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report finding that OptumRX, Express Scripts, and CVS Caremark Rx are engaged in widespread price gouging, according to Fortune.
The investigation into prescription benefit managers (PBMs), which concluded in 2022, revealed that these companies gained $7.3 billion in revenue from markups.
The report also details the ‘Big 3 PBMs’ pattern of funneling high-cost medication to their respective pharmacies, yielding those pharmacies higher revenue.
“[prescriptions are] marked up more than $1,000 per prescription were dispensed by the Big 3 PBMs’ affiliated pharmacies compared with unaffiliated pharmacies. Dispensing patterns suggest that the Big 3 PBMs may be steering highly profitable prescriptions to their own affiliated pharmacies (and away from unaffiliated pharmacies),” the report stated.
The inflated prices raised costs for millions of Americans suffering from life-threatening conditions, including leukemia, cardiac hypertension, and HIV. Some drugs were sold at four times the acquisition cost.
CVS Caremark contends that the FTC is pushing an anti-PBM agenda. The company warns that if the current policies continue, drug prices will rise for individuals with medical conditions. Caremark also argues that taxpayers and businesses will bear the brunt of subsidizing employer insurance and government assistance programs.
“If we’re going to have an investigation like this, the American people deserve to see the complete story based on all the facts and not just those that support a predetermined narrative,” Caremark said in a statement to Fortune. “The ‘anti-PBM’ policies the FTC is currently pursuing would only increase U.S. drug costs for American patients, employers, unions, and taxpayers.”
OptumRX, a PBM owned by UnitedHealth, also provided a statement to Fortune, asserting that its approach is cost-effective and enables the company to offer a range of services for patients with complex health conditions.
“Optum is lowering the cost of specialty medications, which comprise half of all drug expenditures, and providing clinical expertise, programs, and support for patients with complex and rare conditions,” the statement said.
UnitedHealth has come under scrutiny following the recent death of its CEO, Brian Thompson. The alleged gunman, Luigi Mangione, was taken into custody. Reports indicate that Mangione had a 200-word “manifesto” at the time of his arrest, in which he criticized the American healthcare industry.
Yvette Nicole Brown Blasts Khloé Kardashian’s Excessive Water Usage After Reality Star Criticized LA Mayor Karen Bass
Yvette Nicole Brown asked Khloé Kardashian if her excessive water use during the 2022 drought was "a joke."
In a classic case of “This You?!” Yvette Nicole Brown had to remind Khloé Kardashian about her excessive water use after the reality star publicly criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
The Kardashians star took to Instagram to criticize Mayor Bass’s initial response to the ongoing L.A. wildfires, calling the mayor a “joke” over reports that the city’s fire department budget was allegedly cut months before the disaster, Page Six reported. In a twist of irony, Brown responded on social media by highlighting a Rolling Stone news report about the Kardashian’s excessive water usage amid a drought.
“This is from 2022 when Los Angeles was in the midst of a drought,” Brown wrote in her caption. “Every citizen was asked to conserve for the good of everyone else. Y’know, because of fires? This is how some citizens responded to the ask.”
At the time, the Kardashian family was under fire for using too much water for their massive homes, despite the drought plaguing Southern California. According to The Los Angeles Times, Kourtney Kardashian exceeded her water usage by 101,000 gallons, while Kim Kardashian exceeded by 232,000 gallons.
News picked up the story and called out the famous family for going “333,000 gallons over the county limit in June.”
However, that might have slipped Khloé Kardashian’s mind when she posted an Instagram Story offering her support to L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, while bashing Mayor Bass.
Khloé Kardashian criticized for calling Mayor Karen Bass “a joke” over response to LA fires.
According to the Los Angeles Times, her sister Kourtney Kardashian went over her water usage by 101,000 gallons, while her other sister Kim Kardashian exceeded 232,000 gallons. pic.twitter.com/LCWhAfKtBm
Brown’s remarks have resonated with many, who agree that Kardashian’s criticism comes across as blatant hypocrisy.
“See what happens when you’re loud and wrong, @khloekardashian ??? Smh,” one person wrote.
“Now keep Ms Bass’ name out your mouth, Khloe,” added someone else.
Brown’s criticism of Kardashian follows her public defense of Mayor Bass, who has faced heightened scrutiny over the L.A. wildfires. Both Brown and actress Kim Whitley have pointed out that the public seems quick to target Mayor Bass without fully considering the facts or the uncontrollable circumstances surrounding the situation.
“She’s got a spine of steel, and she’s also been a Black woman in America a very long time, so none of this is new to her,” Brown said last week.
Hollywood actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley say any criticism of LA Mayor Bass is racist pic.twitter.com/gYd3G6eeVL
Attorneys General Urge Walmart Not To Back Away From DEI Efforts To Avoid ‘Undermining’ Anti-Discrimination Progress
14 Attorneys general are urging Walmart not to roll back its DEI efforts.
A group of 14 attorneys general have united in a letter urging Walmart to rethink its decision to scale back on its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The coalition of attorneys general sent the letter in response to Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, pausing its DEI initiatives following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in higher education, CBS News reported.
“We are writing to express our concern regarding Walmart’s recent decision to step away from its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”). In particular, we are concerned that Walmart’s decision to phase out supplier diversity programs, close down the Center for Racial Equality, end equity training for staff, and remove the words “diversity” and “DEI” from company documents and employee titles risks undermining important social progress and anti-discrimination efforts,” the letter read.
The rollback of DEI efforts came after the Supreme Court’s decision, with conservative anti-DEI groups filing lawsuits against corporations to challenge diversity programs and racially conscious hiring practices. As a result, Walmart, along with Ford, McDonald’s, Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Harley-Davidson, and Meta, all announced the termination of their DEI programs.
However, the attorneys general argue that opponents of DEI have misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College to pressure businesses into abandoning DEI programs. The coalition emphasized that these programs remain legal and are essential for ensuring compliance with civil rights laws.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are critical tools for preventing discrimination and addressing historic injustices against minorities and other marginalized groups,” Maryland Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “When major companies roll back their commitments to these efforts, they signal to smaller businesses that it is acceptable to do the same, creating a ripple effect that inflicts lasting harm across our State and nation.”
Walmart’s policy changes include no longer factoring in race and gender when making supplier decisions, ending several diversity programs, and replacing the terms “diversity” and “DEI” with “belonging” in official documents.
The attorneys general who signed the letter are from California, Hawaii, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Vermont, and Rhode Island. They are calling on Walmart’s CEO to respond to the letter and their call against ending DEI initiatives.
CÎROC Announces The Blue Dot Creative Residency To Empower Emerging Storytellers
The new program offers diverse creatives capital, mentorship, and space to develop their passions
Balancing a full-time creative career with the demands of today’s hustle culture can be challenging. However, time isn’t the only obstacle diverse talents face in maximizing their creative potential. Gaining access to resources and funding can also be a daunting hurdle, limiting their ability to develop or complete new projects.
In an effort to support the next generation of artists and innovators, CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka has unveiled the Blue Dot Creative Residency, a program aimed at providing financial capital, mentorship, and space for individuals working in entertainment, music, art, and fashion. The new initiative is designed to support creatives looking to expand into different fields and broaden their platforms by exploring uncharted ventures.
According to a press release, “the innovative program will deliver an environment of creative ease by providing them with direct funding, resources, and access needed to invest back into passion projects that shape the culture of tomorrow.”
Source: Violinist at CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner on Dec. 6 at The Rubell Museum. (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
As part of the residency, participants will gain collaboration opportunities with industry leaders who will help them develop artistic expression. The program also includes “(Ease)capes” to allow members to recharge and find inspiration during key cultural events. Throughout the year, the program will support and help talent distribute and showcase their projects across different verticals, from movie theatre partnerships to commission-free art galleries. The residency will culminate in the unveiling of innovative projects across various mediums.
CÎROC, a vodka company owned by DIAGEO, celebrated the launch of the Blue Dot Residency with an exclusive culinary experience honoring diverse creatives during Miami Art Week. Held at the iconic Rubell Museum, artists, creators, and tastemakers came together for a multi-sensory experience that fused art, music, and food.
Source: Victoria David, Brand Director, CÎROC (Photo courtesy of Diageo/Hunter PR)
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Victoria David, brand director of CÎROC, about the Blue Dot Creative Residency and the culinary celebration that the spirits company hosted last month.
Tell us more about the Blue Dot Creative Residency and its mission to empower diverse creatives. The Blue Dot Creative Residency is about redefining what it means to support creativity. Centered around four key verticals—entertainment, music, art, and fashion—the program helps creators expand their craft into new frontiers. We created this residency to eliminate the barriers that many creatives face, such as lack of time, resources, or financial support, and instead provide a space where they can breathe, reflect, and innovate.
Through direct funding, mentorship, and access to a network of influential collaborators, we aim to give creators the tools they need to turn their passion projects into cultural touchstones. This isn’t just a program; it’s a cultural movement designed to inject more joy, vitality, and innovation into the creative landscape.
Source: Craft cocktail featured at CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
What inspired CÎROC to create this initiative? At CÎROC, we’ve always been about celebrating culture and creativity, but we saw an opportunity to do more. Today’s creators are navigating an unprecedented amount of pressure to perform, and the grind culture that dominates our world often stifles their ability to innovate. We were inspired by the insight that creativity thrives when we take a step back to recharge. This residency reflects a pivotal shift for CÎROC as we embrace the philosophy that leisure isn’t just a luxury—it’s the key to unlocking extraordinary ideas. By creating a space where creators can focus on joy and experimentation, we’re helping to foster that mindset.
What role did you play in the ideation and execution of the program? As brand director, my role has been to bring this vision to life by ensuring the residency stays true to CÎROC’s legacy while paving the way for its future. Our team collaborated to build a program that speaks to the evolving needs of creatives today. From identifying the barriers they face to designing a support system that addresses those challenges, our focus has been on ensuring this initiative isn’t just impactful but also sustainable. I’m especially proud of how we’ve integrated mentorship and collaboration into the program because it reflects CÎROC’s belief in the power of connection to fuel creative breakthroughs.
What makes the Blue Dot Creative Residency meaningful for you personally? This residency is deeply meaningful because it represents the best of what CÎROC stands for—empowering people to celebrate their full potential. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of creativity, and this program gives us a chance to support artists in a way that truly makes a difference. Watching creators rediscover their passion, take risks, and create work that leaves a lasting impact on culture is inspiring. It reminds me why I fell in love with this industry—because, at its best, creativity has the power to change the world.
Source: CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
Why was it important for CÎROC to launch the initiative during Miami Art Week? Miami Art Week is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the boundless possibilities of creativity. For CÎROC, this was the ideal stage to introduce the residency because it allowed us to engage directly with a community of artists and tastemakers who embody the spirit of innovation. By launching in a setting that thrives on bold ideas and collaboration, we were able to set the tone for what this program is all about: creating space for creatives to breathe, explore, and ultimately shape the cultural zeitgeist. The kickoff at the Rubell Museum wasn’t just a launch; it was a statement about where CÎROC is headed as a brand.
CÎROC’s “Night at the Museum” was an incredible, multi-sensory culinary experience that blended art, music, and food. What was the inspiration behind this event and what message did you aim to communicate with attendees?
The “Night at the Museum” was inspired by CÎROC’s mission to celebrate creativity and a desire to have our guests truly embrace fostering deeper connections. Held at the Rubell Museum during Art Basel, it marked the launch of the Blue Dot Creative Residency and reflected CÎROC’s evolution from the hustle of nightclubs to moments that are more meaningful and inspirational. Through a fusion of art, music, and culinary excellence, the experience created a fully immersive environment where we showcased how CÎROC is shaping culture and supporting creators who redefine what it means to innovate and inspire.
What impact have you made at CÎROC since being named brand director? Since stepping into this role, my focus has been on evolving the way CÎROC shows up in culture. We’ve moved beyond nightlife to celebrate the full spectrum of creativity and leisure. From launching CÎROC Limonata, the No. 1 vodka innovation in the U.S (Nielsen Total US x AOC P52W through 11.16.24), to aligning with cultural milestones like Culture Con, my goal has been for the brand to create meaningful connections with audiences. The Blue Dot Creative Residency is a continuation of that work, showcasing how CÎROC is redefining luxury and creativity for a new era. It’s not just about products, it’s about the impact we have on culture and the creative communities we serve.
In what other ways does CÎROC plan to make meaningful connections with Black creatives? We recognize that diverse creatives are some of the most influential voices shaping culture, and we’re committed to amplifying their impact. Whether it’s through partnerships, cultural activations, or spotlighting emerging talent, our goal is to create spaces where diverse creatives feel valued, supported, and inspired to push boundaries.
The Blue Dot Creative Residency is open to U.S. residents 25 years old and above working in creative fields like music, art, film, and fashion. Applications will open soon. For updates, visit www.CÎROC.com.
Mobile Approves Emergency Funds To Bolster Mardi Gras Security
Mobile, Alabama, is following in the footsteps of New Orleans by enhancing security measures for the upcoming Mardi Gras season.
On Jan. 14, the Mobile City Council voted unanimously to purchase 18 portable steel bollards to line the streets. The bollards, which will cost the city $167,371, are solid steel columns designed to protect pedestrians and event-goers, according to WKRG 5.
Rob Lasky, the city’s executive director of public safety, said 18 was the maximum number of steel bollards they could purchase. He cited the New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans as the reason for the purchase. Ensuring the safety of citizens during Mardi Gras festivities is a top priority for Mobile.
“There was no way to predict what would have happened in New Orleans,” Lasky said. “The world is changing. We have to prepare for more of these events as they happen, especially copycat events, and be diligent and forward-thinking in how we address security for Mardi Gras.”
The addition of the bollards is a significant first step in protecting spectators, but the plan does not end there. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson has reached out to neighboring cities and universities to draw on their resources.
The city of Tuscaloosa is lending six pop-up bollards to Mobile. Mayor Stimpson praised Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox for his “immeasurable” assistance and partnership.
“This Mardi Gras, we realized we needed to do things differently from a crowd control standpoint,” Mayor Stimpson said. “We know Tuscaloosa and Auburn have a large congregation of people who visit their stadiums, and they can protect people.”
Mayor Maddox emphasized the importance of local governments collaborating and sharing resources, moving forward. Both cities are part of the “Big 10,” the 10 largest cities in Alabama. The University of Alabama’s football program is popular in the SEC, drawing thousands of spectators to its games each season.
“Like Mobile, Tuscaloosa understands the demands of hosting complicated events with large crowds,” Mayor Maddox said. “The demands of providing security are ever-increasing, and I would imagine that we will all be leaning on each other more and more for resources.”
The final safety plan for Mobile’s Mardi Gras season, which runs from Feb. 18 to March 4, has not yet been finalized. Attendees may notice changes in emergency response and law enforcement presence this year. Security measures are expected to differ from previous years.
Small Business Administration Can Fill In Gap For Underinsured In LA Amid Wildfires
The SBA can assist homeowners, renters, and businesses with emergency loans, which became available after President Joe Biden declared the wildfires in California as a major disaster.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles come as the state deals with an unprecedented crisis on two fronts. The state has an affordable housing shortage, and the highest number of people experiencing homelessness live there. Many also don’t have enough insurance to cover their losses. As homeowners, renters, and businesses tackle the difficult task of rebuilding, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) could offer some much-needed relief.
As the Los Angeles Times points out, thousands of homeowners have lost their home insurance over the last decade as insurance companies have either left fire-prone areas or increased their prices. According to SiliconValley.com, nearly 10% of homeowners in Los Angeles County are uninsured.
The SBA can provide emergency loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses. These loans became available after President Joe Biden declared the California wildfires a major disaster.
“There will be residual effects around the whole community,” Small Business Administration head Isabella Casillas Guzman told the publication. “Insurance will not cover this disaster.”
Who Is Eligible For A Small Business Administration Loan
Businesses, nonprofits, and small agricultural cooperatives can apply for an economic injury or physical damage loan through SBA. Meanwhile, homeowners and renters are eligible for physical damage loans.
Nonprofits and businesses applying for economic injury loans will have access to funds intended to help them meet ordinary financial demands. Physical damage loans help with repairs and restoration. Renters can receive up to $100,000 in assistance, homeowners can access up to $500,000, and businesses can apply for up to $2 million. Those in need of assistance can apply online. Loans must be repaid within 30 years.
The SBA will offer loans with an interest rate of 2.5% to homeowners and renters who cannot access credit elsewhere. If they can access credit from other sources, the SBA will offer a loan with an interest rate of 5%. Loans for businesses will range between 4% and 8%.
Babygirl Got A Barbie! Late R&B Star Aaliyah Honored With Barbie Doll On 46th Birthday
The doll reportedly sold out within 30 minutes.
Aaliyah fans can keep celebrating the late singer’s legacy with a new Barbie doll.
Mattel, the company that owns Barbie, introduced the doll on Aaliyah’s birthday, Jan. 16. Although the singer, 22, died in 2001 in a plane crash leaving the Bahamas, fans have cherished her artistry and life in the decades since.
“One in a Million… Today, on Aaliyah’s birthday, Barbie honors the Princess of R&B’s unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent,” explained the caption. “A rising star who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, the Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations.”
The toy features her signature cool aesthetic, including her long, dark, silky Black hair and sunglasses to match the rest of her all-Black outfit. The look pays homage to Aaliyah’s “life and sound” that still captivates listeners.
“Our Aaliyah doll honors the life and sound of the chart-topping, record-breaking American musician affectionately known as ‘Babygirl,’” the doll’s website reads.
The toy was available as a Signature Music Series item on MattelCreations.com starting at midnight, but it sold out within 30 minutes, according to the Detroit News.
Because the Aaliyah doll is not a typical Barbie, it had a higher markup. Each doll sold for $64.99 and included a one-year Barbie Club 59 membership. The exclusive club granted members lucrative deals for, of course, more Barbies.
However, those who missed the first chance to snag these prized pieces may have another opportunity. Buyers could purchase the doll in person at certain Target stores or even its online shop. If not, another route could exist through eBay, where dolls reportedly sell for around $100.
Former NYC Migrant Shelter Transformed Into Affordable Housing For Low-Income And Homeless
A former migrant shelter in Harlem, NY will now house low-income families and formerly homeless people.
What was once a college dorm, and then a migrant shelter in Harlem, New York, is now being turned into affordable housing for low-income families and the formerly unhoused.
On Monday, the local housing nonprofit Breaking Ground unveiled plans to begin construction on a 19-story high-rise at 1760 Third Ave., converting the building into 435 affordable apartments for low-income individuals and those previously experiencing homelessness, Patch reported. Breaking Ground President and CEO Brenda Rosen announced that out of the 435 units, 261 will be designated for formerly homeless individuals. At the same time, 174 will be reserved for low-income residents earning at or below 60% of the area median income.
“The need for affordable housing for low-income individuals — and obviously for those who are homeless — is dire, and to have the opportunity to use an underutilized site to produce so many units at one time is just a rare and fantastic opportunity,” Rosen said.
Construction will occur primarily inside the building and will begin in early February and finish within 18 to 24 months, making the building fully operational as early as August 2026. The announcement comes six months after Breaking Ground’s $172 million acquisition of the building in late June.
Located in Harlem, just a block from the Upper East Side, between East 97th and 98th streets, the property was first a college dorm for CUNY and then a migrant shelter in June 2023. The transformed apartments need to be refreshed for families and fitted with kitchenettes.
The nonprofit’s renderings showcase the newly remodeled apartments, featuring a sleek, modern design. The apartments will have light-colored floors, silver kitchen appliances, white subway-tile backsplashes, and porcelain floor tiles in the bathrooms. The building will also include amenities such as a community gathering space for activities and workshops, a fitness center, a computer room, a medical suite, and office space for Breaking Ground’s property management team and social services staff.
A $500,000 donation from the Wells Fargo Foundation funded furniture for the units and common areas, as well as the addition of a computer room and fitness center. Applications for the building are expected to open in about a year, with Breaking Ground planning to prioritize applicants who already reside in the neighborhood.
“Quality affordable housing is certainly linked to economic stability, it’s linked to generational wealth, and it’s linked to overall well-being, so that is why the new development in Harlem is so important for New Yorkers,” said Krissy Moore, senior vice president of northeast community relations at Wells Fargo.
“Access to an affordable place to call home is something everyone should have.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Office Denounces Nancy Mace for ‘Threatening Physical Violence’ During House Hearing
Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett's office is calling out South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace's "threatening" behavior during a House hearing.
Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s office is responding to South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace “threatening physical violence” during a House hearing on Tuesday.
Crockett’s spokesperson, Chloe Kessock, condemned Mace on Wednesday for threatening physical violence and using inflammatory language during a tense exchange on Tuesday at the House Oversight Committee. A now-viral moment captured Mace telling Crockett to “take it outside” after Crockett called for the reinstatement of the civil rights subcommittee and criticized Mace’s continued attacks on transgender individuals.
“It’s clear that Rep. Mace was threatening physical violence against Congresswoman Crockett as part of her performative, ridiculous meltdown in the House Oversight Committee room,” Kessock told The Advocate. “Her slur-ridden screed exemplifies exactly why the House Oversight Committee needs to pass Congresswoman Crockett’s amendment to reinstate the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.”
Crockett: Somebody’s campaign coffers are struggling right now so she’s going to keep saying trans trans trans.. Child listen
Mace: I am no child! Do not call me a child. I am a grown woman. If you want to take it outside pic.twitter.com/o2EBHzcwoT
During the hearing, Mace challenged Crockett for calling to reinstate the subcommittee on civil rights. After Mace interrupted her, Crockett replied, “I can see that somebody’s campaign coffers are struggling right now. So [Mace] is gonna keep saying ‘trans, trans, trans, trans’ so that people will feel threatened, and chile, listen —.”
But Mace quickly interjected and began shouting, “I am no child, do not call me a child, I am no child.”
While defending Crockett, Kessock accused Mace of using anti-trans rhetoric to distract from her inability to present meaningful policy solutions.
“Whenever Republicans need to distract the American people from the fact that they have no real policy prescriptions to protect the lives and livelihoods of American women, they run back to their old reliable: demonize trans folk,” Kessock said. “Rep. Mace’s 1990s-era slurs and bathroom fantasies don’t do a thing to protect women — reproductive rights do. But protecting women’s civil rights and liberties fall far below Rep. Mace’s current goal: raising money from the MAGA base and dethroning Marjorie Taylor Greene as MAGA’s most camera-hungry Congresswoman.”
“If Rep. Mace wants to raise money off the back of a qualified Black woman, she can try someone else,” Crockett’s spokesperson added.
