The recent release of a 118-page administrative report by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office has sparked outrage in Columbus’ Black community and renewed calls for the immediate resignation of City Councilor Charmaine Crabb, who represents District 5.
The report, obtained by The Courier Eco Latino, includes transcripts from a March 2024 interview conducted by Investigator W. Peterson and Lt. J. Hattaway, during which Crabb made statements that many are describing as racially offensive and discriminatory.
“Her questioning the qualifications of Black city employees and her insinuation that the City Manager only hired Black staff because they attended HBCUs or were members of Black fraternities or sororities is insulting,” said Melvin Tanner Jr., president of the local NAACP chapter. “What are her qualifications? That’s the question we should be asking.”
Crabb’s remarks, as recorded in the report, include the following:
- Again, CRABB expressed her leer of the “Preachers” as she stated “I mean it just watch the watch the last council meeting on the public agenda when he brings all of his little preacher's in. It's like, since when are preachers so in, so involved in baseball, something's going on with that baseball. I don't, I don't know. I mean I am, I'm kind of naive. I come from Nebraska, you know, in Nebraska you just tell'em straight out and I get really blasted for talking like that here in genteel Georgia.”
- CRABB’s interview took a turn, she stated that she believes there is discrimination going on in the Columbus Consolidated Government and this discrimination is enacted by the City Manager – Isaiah Hugley. CRABB cites the example of Donna Newman who is the Director of Engineering, she stated that she has a degree in engineering. “…there are certain department heads that I don't have an, an issue with, you know, Donna Newman, she's actually is qualified for her job. She is an engineer.” CRABB went on to say “You know, things like that. But what qualifications does Reather Hollowell have?” Investigators were also able to confirm that Reather Hollowell obtained a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University), a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Columbus College and an Associate of Science in Accounting from Chattahoochee Valley Community College It is also, noted that she attended the following relevant training; International Public Management Association for Human Resources – Certified Professional, Management Development Program (MDP), Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia Total Quality Management and Continuous Improvement Program, Columbus Consolidated Government Mediator, 3rd Judicial Administrative District, State of Georgia.
- Again, CRABB expressed her leer of the “Preachers” as she stated “I mean it just watch the watch the last council meeting on the public agenda when he brings all of his little preacher's in. It's like, since when are preachers so in, so involved in baseball, something's going on with that baseball. I don't, I don't know. I mean I am, I'm kind of naive. I come from Nebraska, you know, in Nebraska you just tell 'em straight out and I get really blasted for talking like that here in genteel Georgia.”
- CRABB concedes that there is “skin color” based discrimination: It can be inferred that CRABB believes that “black” people who pledge to certain sororities and fraternities are benefiting from this discrimination. “They're a certain skin color, there's discrimination going on. I mean they, you look at throughout the organization and see, you know, look for the discriminating, you know, the seven to nine discriminating classes. And it's, and it's happening, it, most of the directors are probably, they're, you know, look for the ones that are black and go to those certain, have those certain sororities and fraternities.” CRABB places the onus of responsibility on HUGLEY because she believes “…that falls under the city manager, you know, he, he is over, he know staff and HR and he's over all that. He has a lot of control over those things.”
- CRABB alleges that HUGLEY is violating the City Charter by campaigning for Mayor while being a city employee. She stated that Reverend Flake voiced HUGLEY’s actions during a public agenda, however inadvertent. Per CRABB, HUGLEY is “running for Mayor unannounced”, and he is attempting to accumulate votes by going to Black churches.
- ** CRABB does not mention what church HUGLEY campaigns, but Reverend Johnny H. Flakes III pastors at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church (Address: 222 5th Street). Investigators then searched the 4th Street Missionary Baptist Church – YouTube page and were unable to find any videos depicting HUGLEY stating that he had intentions of running for the office of mayor.
Critics argue the comments reflect racial bias and a lack of respect for the professional achievements of Black city staff. The backlash has prompted several community leaders to demand her resignation.
Attorney Scott Grubman, who represents City Manager Isaiah Hugley, also weighed in. In a written statement shared with The Courier Eco Latino, Grubman stated, “In the best interest of the people of Columbus, Councilor Crabb should resign.”
As of Thursday, Crabb had not responded to numerous attempts to reach her.
