Samantha Steele Says "Colored People" in Interview

In an interview, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele talks about "colored people."

In a recent episode of "The Medrano Exchange" podcast, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele sparked outraged her use of the term "colored people." The interview, conducted by Gus Medrano, a Senior Mortgage Consultant at Meta Mortgage and podcast host, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly on social media platform X, where the clip was shared by Frank Calabrese. This incident, occurring amidst Steele's history of controversies, raises serious questions about her judgment and sensitivity to contemporary racial terminology.

Steele, a Democrat representing District 2 of the Cook County Board of Review, appeared on "The Medrano Exchange" to discuss her experiences with racial diversity in classrooms. During the conversation, she stated, "You know, I went from being one of very few white people in my class to being, you know, having very few colored people in our class. And it really showed me that if you just be quiet, you're not going to get anywhere. You have to speak up and you have to take on, you know, the machine." This clip shared on X by Frank Calabrese has since been viewed over 35,000 views, drawing sharp public backlash.

The term "colored people" is deeply offensive and is rooted in Jim Crow and segregation

The term "colored people" is not just outdated; it is deeply offensive in the context of American history. Historically, it was used during the Jim Crow era (1870s–1960s) to denote segregation, with "colored-only" facilities symbolizing racial discrimination. An recent opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune notes that "colored" is now considered offensive due to its association with segregation. The offensiveness stems from its historical use in discriminatory contexts, implying a Euro-centric norm where non-white individuals are "othered." The distinction is not merely grammatical but deeply tied to historical and social implications. Even 30 years ago it was well established that the term "colored" in is taken often as a slur, even when not so intended.

In an interview, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele talks about "colored people."

A History of Controversies Steele's use of "colored people" is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of controversial behavior. In November 2024, she was arrested for DUI after crashing into parked cars in Chicago, with body camera footage showing her refusing to cooperate and invoking her elected status. The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board called for her resignation, citing her unprofessional behavior. Given her past controversies, this incident further questions her judgment and suitability for office. It is imperative for public figures to use language that reflects inclusivity and respect, and Steele should consider issuing a public apology and educating herself on appropriate terminology to rebuild trust with her constituents. The public deserves better from its elected officials, and Steele's actions continue to fall short of that standard.