Nothing for Us Without Us: The Time for Action is Now
In the realm of leadership and public service, the pursuit of equity, representation, and justice is at the forefront. A recent incident at a statewide opioid abatement conference has highlighted the distressing erasure of Dr. Medlock's impactful work, particularly through the co-opting of the concept of nothing for us without us. This troubling occurrence not only underscores the unjust removal of a visionary leader but also brings to light the consequences of erasing the contributions and language of marginalized communities. The drop The Room Where it Happened: Medlock’s No-Win Dismissal Deal tells the true story of Commissioner Medlock’s removal, “it is alarming that every twist and turn of Medlock’s dismissal has a connection to Garnett, Barnes, Gathercole, and their BHTF. The pointed and ignorant treatment of Medlock is evident. It is high time we reflect on the stories and information shared by JFM and boldly question the integrity of those entrusted with power.”
A Tale of Erasure and Co-Opting
At the Colorado opioid abatement conference mentioned in an earlier drop, a distressing incident unfolded as Michelle Barnes, the BHA Interim Commissioner, took the stage. Using her white, privileged identity, Barnes chose to employ the language of "nothing about you, without you" as a mantra for her behavioral health task force (BHTF) that she led in 2019 with her current Deputy Commissioner, Summer Gathercole. To understand more about the BHTF’s role in Commissioner Medlock’s removal read the The Scarlet Letter-Writing Campaign drop and also read The Revolving Door of State Employment for Privileged Identities to understand Gathercole’s return to Deputy Commissioner under Barnes. Barne’s choice of words is alarming not just due to its implications but also due to the context surrounding it. The phrase had been a cornerstone of Dr. Medlock's work, echoing her commitment to working with the community she served.
The Power of "Nothing About Us Without Us”
The idea of nothing about us, without us is deeply rooted in movements for marginalized communities. It emphasizes the importance of including those directly affected by policies, decisions, or actions in the decision-making process. This concept champions the idea that true equity and justice can only be achieved when those who are impacted have an active role in shaping solutions. Dr. Medlock, a Black woman representing the global majority, embraced this concept wholeheartedly during her tenure as BHA Commissioner, recognizing the significance of amplifying voices that had long been marginalized. If you need more evidence of her impact, check out Dr. Medlock's Profound Impact and Performance Evaluation Release and Dr. Medlock’s Significant Progress Transforming Colorado's Behavioral Health System.
Only one year ago, Commissioner Medlock presented “People-Centered Values and the Power to Heal” at this same event, the 2022 Colorado opioid abatement conference. This keynote is a must-watch. Please provide yourself a pause to allow this next piece to truly sink in.
At the same conference. One year earlier. Dr. Medlock spoke about truth-telling, transparency, acknowledging harm, impacts of racism, and bringing solutions with community not for community. She says at the time stamp 13:29 on August 18, 2022, nothing for without us.
JFM has reviewed countless public documents, including but not limited to the 31-page blueprint, 278-page report on reform, gov’s press releases, slide decks, and newsletters, from the BHA and CDHS websites from Barnes’s BHTF and there is no mention of any version of the phrase nothing about you without you. JFM sources close to the task force confirm that this was not in fact a mantra of Barnes and Gathercole’s BHTF.
A white leader who co-opts the language of a BIPOC leader without credit and lies to an audience of behavioral stakeholders and community members is not a leader who can be trusted. Especially, when Barnes and Gaterhcole have committed countless acts of harm against Dr. Medlock and other BIPOC leaders, as well as live at the center of Commissioner Medlock’s unjust and racially motivated removal, please revisit JFM Shocked to Learn that Dr. Medlock’s Dismissal Letter was Signed by her Peer (Barnes), Deputy Commissioner Gathercole’s Role in BHA Betrayal and Harm, and Addressing the Implications of Barnes' “Clean Up” Statement.
This behavior is contrary to the very nature of serving the public and detrimental to the well-being of the people of Colorado. Enough is enough. JFM believes Barnes and Gathercole should resign or be dismissed from their public service roles.
Watch Dr. Morgan Medlock highlight a slide labeled Nothing About Us With Us on October 25, 2022 time stamp 27:20, as the keynote speaker at the Contexture HIE Summit in Denver, Colorado.
Unmasking the Harm
The erasure of Dr. Medlock's contributions and the co-opting of her words by Barnes carries significant harm. Here are some ways in which this action is deeply problematic:
1. Erasure of Leadership: By adopting the language without acknowledging Medlock’s use, Barnes contributes to the erasure of Dr. Medlock's leadership. This erasure perpetuates a harmful cycle of sidelining BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) contributions and their contributions.
2. Virtue Signaling: The use of the phrase without a commitment to its principles can be seen as virtue signaling—a performative act that lacks genuine commitment to equity and inclusion.
3. Cultural Appropriation: The co-opting of language from marginalized communities, particularly by those who hold privileged identities, raises concerns about cultural appropriation. Such actions can strip language of its authentic meaning and power.
4. Undermining Authenticity: Utilizing language associated with a movement that seeks to uplift marginalized voices while failing to actively engage with those communities and concurrently harming BIPOC leaders undermines the authenticity of the message and intent.
5. Diminishing Impact: The co-opting of language for performative purposes dilutes the impact of initiatives aiming to address systemic issues. True change requires more than borrowed phrases—it necessitates meaningful action.
Reclaiming Leadership and Language
The incident serves as a stark reminder that genuine leadership involves recognizing, uplifting, and centering the people who have been marginalized. Dr. Medlock's work exemplified this ethos, and her legacy remains a testament to the transformative power of authentic representation.
BHA Leadership: Failure to Launch
As an Interim Commissioner tasked with making decisions that impact the lives of diverse communities, Barnes's choice to use language deeply tied to the work of Dr. Medlock reveals a failure to uphold the core values of representation and authenticity. Leadership demands not only the utilization of impactful language but also a genuine commitment to its principles. The harm caused by erasing Dr. Medlock cannot be understated. By neglecting to even acknowledge Dr. Medlock’s existence, Barnes and Gathercole perpetuate a harmful cycle where the experiences and contributions of marginalized individuals are overshadowed. This further marginalization of experiences from the global majority undercuts the potential for progress and equity within the very communities that need it most.
It is crucial to hold leaders accountable for their actions, particularly when they involve the appropriation of language and concepts that hold deep significance to BIPOC communities. Genuine leadership requires humility, self-awareness, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of equity and justice. JFM released a letter with specific examples of harm and racism from across colorado and also recommends that you read the drop, Racism's Silent Agony: Unmasking the Death by 1,000 Cuts.
As we reflect on this incident at an event hosted by Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser and his team, let us not only recognize the harm caused by the erasure but also demand that leaders be accountable for their choices—choices that impact the very communities they are meant to serve.
JFM invites you to process this question from the “The Struggle to be Believed and the Pursuit of Justice” drop - How much more pain, suffering, and evidence must Black individuals endure before their voices are heard and believed?
The time for action is now.
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Have you been confronted about your racist, harmful, and oppressive behaviors? JFM encourages you to explore the concept of "processing right to comfort" to better understand its significance. In our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusivity, uncomfortable conversations and confrontations are bound to occur. It's essential to remember that JFM’s intention is not to be adversarial but to promote growth and awareness. If you find JFM’s words hitting close to home, take the opportunity to introspect and understand the reasons behind your reactions.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock: Demand justice for Dr. Medlock signed the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Tell a story: If you have benefited from Dr. Medlock and her leadership, show up and uplift a true people-first leader dedicated to community and transformational reform.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).