Overview:
Editor-In-Chief of the Dallas Observer, Patrick Williams, has been criticized for publishing an opinion piece that demeaned Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket, a Black woman in power. The piece was condescending and patronizing, and its tone echoed a dangerous dynamic of silencing Black women. Williams has been called out for his decision to publish the piece, with calls for a formal apology to Congresswoman Crockett. The article was not only a waste of space and ink but also contributed to a broader culture of silencing Black women in power.
Patrick Williams
Editor-In-Chief
Dallas Observer
Dear Mr. Williams,
On March 25th, 2025 you published an opinion piece titled, “Memo to Rep. Jasmine Crockett: We Love You, But Please STFU.” Mr. Williams, you are the Editor-In Chief of a major weekly publication and I am both disappointed and deeply concerned by the tone and content of your piece.
While I understand that we live in a country where even the most powerful figures can express insensitive rhetoric without consequence, your decision to address Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett – an elected official and a respected leader – was out of line.
You have no right to address Congresswoman Crockett in that way. In fact, no one – especially not a man in a position of influence – should ever speak to any woman with such condescension, particularly during Women’s History Month. Telling a Black woman to “mind her manners” in 2025 is not only patronizing, but it also echoes a dangerous and outdated dynamic that has no place in today’s discourse.
Though you attempted to acknowledge her accomplishments early in your piece, your subsequent call for her to be quiet undercuts any praise and reads more like a backhanded compliment than genuine recognition. Your words, whether intended or not, contribute to a broader culture of silencing Black women in power – and that should give you a serious pause.
You are in a position to influence public opinion and foster meaningful dialogue. This piece, however, did the opposite. It wasted valuable space and ink, offering little more than condescending bar talk masquerading as critique. And although I quickly skimmed, I did not find any other articles of you standing up for the injustices of the disabled. So, if your goal was to generate engagement through controversy, then I fear your work only adds to the growing skepticism about the integrity of modern journalism.
What we actually need now are voices that uplift, inform, and challenge with purpose. What we don’t need are bylines wasted on thinly veiled personal attacks.
The best course of action would be to issue a formal apology to Congresswoman Crockett. It’s not just a matter of courtesy – it’s a matter of respect.
In Service,
Jess Washington
Publisher & CEO of Dallas Weekly
