The Circus at Congressman Evans’ Office: A Masterclass in Miseducation

The Circus at Congressman Evans’ Office: A Masterclass in Miseducation

© Ogbonna Hagins for Philly Word Magazine and Freedmen’s Journal 2.0

Philadelphia, PA—In a stunning display of political acrobatics, Congressman Dwight Evans’s office has turned into a real-life circus, complete with a miseducated ringmaster who confidently juggles ignorance while the audience watches in bewilderment.

You’d think that in a place where the Constitution is supposed to be the guiding document, staffers would at least know which way is up when it comes to American Freedmen rights. But alas, it seems they’re too busy polishing their résumés to bother with the foundational principles of American governance.

Recently, I had the misfortune of stumbling upon the “Kamala Harris for President” campaign office, led by one of Congressman Evans’s own staffers—who, shockingly, appeared to be completely oblivious to the contents of the Constitution.

Yes, folks, we are talking about an individual who holds a position in a congressional office but can’t articulate what the 13th Amendment means, let alone discuss the significance of the Reconstruction Amendments. Is this what we call progress?

Picture this: I’m standing there, an unseated council president and president of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition, engaging with a staffer who looks more like a deer caught in headlights than a representative of the people.

The look of befuddlement on her face was priceless—like a contestant on a game show who buzzed in but had no clue what the question was. While trying to explain her way out of an obvious lack of knowledge, she had to maintain that air of authority as if she were defending a PhD dissertation. Instead, she was offering a masterclass in how not to understand the Constitution.

And let’s not forget Numa St. Louis, the major assistant to Congressman Evans. Here’s where the irony hits harder than a heavyweight boxer: Numa is a Haitian immigrant. Yes, Haitian history has its own significance in the grand tapestry of the Civil War era,

but let’s be real: if it weren’t for the sacrifices of American Freedmen, Numa wouldn’t even be here to advocate for his fellow Caribbeans to engage politically. How ironic that someone who should recognize the importance of the struggle for civil rights and citizenship is so dismissive of an American Freedman’s inquiries, to the point of ignoring me altogether.

It’s almost as if he thinks that being from the Caribbean grants him a pass on understanding the very foundations of the nation he now calls home. And to ignore an American Freedman—who plays a vital role in this country’s history—while advocating for votes from his Caribbean brethren is a level of cognitive dissonance that deserves its own award.

Maybe Numa should take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by American Freedmen, which have paved the way for his own presence here. His lack of responsiveness is not just unprofessional; it’s downright shameful.

So here’s a plea to Congressman Evans: for the love of democracy, please ensure that the people in your office are qualified to represent the citizens of this great nation. A staffer who can’t handle basic questions about Freedmen rights is not just a liability; she’s a walking, talking miseducation of the American Freedman.

Perhaps it’s time for a little refresher course on the Constitution for the staff at Evans’s office—maybe a seminar, or even a pop quiz! I’m open to offering my services to help educate those who seem lost in the fog of ignorance. It would be a great opportunity for St. Louis to finally return my call, although he might need to brush up on his Constitution 101 first.

In a world where knowledge is power, Congressman Evans’s office is giving new meaning to the phrase “knowledge is optional.” So, let’s make a bet: I’ll be waiting for your call, Numa. But don’t take too long; the clock is ticking, and the American Freedman are counting on you to step up your game before this circus comes to town again!