Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Connecticut Friday was welcomed by many New Haveners. But Boise Kimber took issue with the invite list. He’s a pastor at First Calvary Baptist church and president of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association.
He held a press conference Monday expressing disapproval and asking why more Black leaders weren’t in attendance at events welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to town.
"New Haven is predominantly Black and Hispanic,” Kimber said, “and not to have our leadership present at this visit was certainly an insult to the Black community that worked so diligently, across this country, to elect the first female Vice President of this country.”
Specifically, he would have liked to see invites extended to two of New Haven’s Black female leaders, New Haven Schools Superintendent Dr. Iline Tracey and Board of Alderman President Tyisha Walker-Myers.
“You can’t come into this city and not pay some attention to individuals who helped you to get to where you are today,” Kimber said.
He aimed his critique at Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Mayor Justin Elicker for not guiding the Vice President to include key players.
Elicker says that criticism is misplaced. “The Vice President’s office did not reach out to us and neither I nor any of my staff had any say whatsoever in who was invited to the event,” Elicker said.
He says his office tried multiple times to contact the Vice President’s office.
DeLauro’s staff said they were likewise not consulted and not involved in the planning.
Among the attendees were Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and DCF Commissioner Vanessa Dorantes, who are both Black. State Representative Toni Walker was also present, she is Black and represents New Haven.
The Office of the Vice President did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
