Dr. Medlock’s Newly Released Academic Manuscript: The Community is the Cure
Dr. Medlock's recent academic manuscript’s key lesson is powerful: the community itself is often the cure. Dr. Medlock's work recognizes that effective engagement and solutions must consider the broader context of community experiences, collective strengths, and indigenous leadership. It's a lesson in humility, acknowledging that the answers don't always come from traditional sources of power and expertise.
September 21 BHAAC Meeting Part Two: Gaslighting the Council
During the Sept 21 meeting, there were several instances where Barnes brazenly lied when responding, a rare occurrence as Barnes generally chose to remain silent. However, when she did engage, it was to spread disinformation and undermine the council. Council members displayed immense courage by being united and resolute in their unwavering call for accountability.
September 21 BHAAC Meeting Part One: Silencing Emily
On Thursday, September 21st, the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) convened for a meeting that would prove to be one of the most tense and triggering spaces ever witnessed by members of the Justice for Medlock movement (JFM). JFM attended the meeting as a cautionary measure to observe and support council members, including Racquel Garcia, who had recently resigned as BHAAC co-chair due to harm experienced by BHA Interim Commissioner Michelle Barnes.
Michaelson Jenet's Troubling and Cruel Response to Dr. Medlock's Complaint
The story of Dr. Medlock's federal racial discrimination complaint has exposed a troubling reality highlighting the significant harm perpetuated by individuals who choose to discredit and disparage her experience. In particular, Rep. Michaelson Jenet's recent statements raise serious concerns about the treatment of Dr. Medlock and the broader issue of racial discrimination.
The Denver Post Coverage: Dr. Medlock Files Federal Discrimination Complaint
A morning news story from the Denver Post shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Dr. Morgan Medlock sharing that Dr. Medlock has filed a federal complaint alleging racial discrimination and retaliation in her unjust removal as Commissioner of Colorado's Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
The Alarming Exodus: BIPOC Leaders Leaving the Behavioral Health Administration
There is an unsettling trend at the BHA - the forced departure of more BIPOC leaders due to various forms of harm, retaliation, and other distressing experiences. These courageous leaders have been left to carry the weight of their painful experiences for too long since Medlock’s ousting.
Racquel Garcia Resigns as BHAAC Co-Chair
The courageous and exceptionally talented Racquel Garcia has chosen to step down from her position as co-chair of the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council. Yesterday, Racquel shared her resignation letter on her Facebook platform.
BHA Falsifying Records? Gathercole Salary Increase After Ousting of Dr. Medlock
Gathercole's resignation was described as leaving on the best terms. Given her involvement in harming Dr. Medlock, it seems that departing on the best terms may involve some form of compensation for her participation in removing her Black supervisor. Additionally, it's possible that Interim Commissioner Michele Barnes' team may have manipulated a CORA response.
Excerpt from “Reassuring Sounds”: The Impossibility of White Public Apology” by Michel Büch
White public apologies for racist words or deeds are often moralizing gestures that tend to aggravate the very wrongs they are meant to recognize.
Time is not a Finite Resource, It is a Space to Rectify Past Wrongs
Recent events surrounding the unjust removal of Dr. Morgan Medlock and the actions of state leaders highlight a pivotal moment—a moment that can shape the narrative of justice, equity, and the responsibilities of those in power. It's essential to recognize that time is not a finite resource that runs out, but a space within which leaders can make choices that have the potential to rectify past wrongs, restore trust, and pave the way for a more equitable future.
Seeking Justice via a Civil Rights Complaint in Colorado
If you're in Colorado and considering filing a civil rights discrimination complaint or an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, understanding the process is essential. This drop aims to provide you with a starting place for the information you need to navigate this complex terrain effectively.
Gathercole Resigns: JFM’s Vision for Justice
Justice For Medlock (JFM) is more than just a movement; it's a passionate call for accountability, transparency, and healing. In the heart of Colorado, the story of Dr. Medlock's unjust termination has ignited a demand for true justice. Let's delve into what justice means to JFM and the vision it holds for a better, more equitable future.
Dr. Medlock Enlists Top Colorado Attorney for Justice Battle
It has been confirmed through reliable JFM sources that Dr. Morgan Medlock has secured legal representation in the form of Colorado civil rights lawyer David A. Lane.
Nothing for Us Without Us: The Time for Action is Now
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 Importance of Empathy in Resolving Microaggressions
Well, dear readers, it seems as if the previous drop reached the attention of Barnes and her team. A source shared with JFM that Barnes sent an email to Garcia attempting to apologize for the incident only after the drop was released. Racquel updated her followers on social media the night of August 29 via an Instagram story where she tells her experience through tear-stained eyes.
The Weight of Mispronunciation: Subtle Yet Substantial Harm
Imagine the scene: a prominent BIPOC leader takes the stage as the keynote speaker. Her name, a part of her identity that carries cultural and personal significance, is the gateway to her presence and story. When that name is mispronounced, it's more than just a linguistic error—it becomes an unintentional erasure, a subtle message that her identity isn't valued enough to be pronounced correctly.
The Fight for Reinstatement and the Persistence of Belief
It is important to understand that Justice for Medlock is not naive; JFM acknowledges the challenges to achieving this call to action but remains committed to seeking justice for the harms done to Dr. Medlock and the racism she faced.