You know what not to do ten days before the start of Black History Month?
Decide to put a property on the market that happens to be the site of a museum celebrating the triumphs and trials of a city's African-Amerian population still dealing with racism and de facto segregation.
But that's what the St. Petersburg Housing Authority board voted to do Thursday despite scores of pleas from officials and members of the public.
Citing financial reasons, the board voted 4-3 to sell the museum, which operates out of an historic house 2240 9th Ave. S. Board member Jamie Bennet, a former St. Pete City Councilman who voted against the sale, offered an amendment that would bar the sale for six months in anticipation of any legal issues.
Those who support holding onto the museum say it's a vital cultural asset.
“I think it's absolutely essential,” said Housing Authority board member Ayele Hunt. “I don't think it should even be up for debate.”
Among those who asked the board not to sell the facility were Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin, former mayor Bill Foster, State Rep. Darryl Rouson and County Commissioner Ken Welch. Most members of the St. Pete City Council also sent letters opposing sale of the building.
The only member of City Council in favor of the sale is Councilman Wengay Newton, even though the museum is in his district and he probably wants to get elected again to some office or another someday. Newton voiced concerns over how the museum functions.
Hunt said she's more concerned about how the Housing Authority board functions, and is wary of the manner in which discussions like that surrounding the museum are scheduled.
The third board member to vote against the sale was Valerie Roberts.
Those in support were board members Delphinia Davis, Lucinda Spires, Harry Harvey and Ann Taylor.
Given the outrage over the decision, there is a solid chance that this is by no means a done deal; and those who support getting rid of the museum could face political consequences.
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2015.