By Vernon A. Williams, Gary Crusader
Seldom has a name lit a fuse in Black America like that of Omarosa Manigault Newman. She has achieved ‘one name’ celebrity status reserved for luminaries like Beyoncé, Cher, and Prince. But her name is far less endearing.
Omarosa was catapulted into national infamy because of appearances during three seasons of the reality television show “The Apprentice,” hosted by the businessman who became the 45th president of the United States.
Despite losing all three seasons, the two developed a seemingly impenetrable relationship. She relentlessly defended this controversial administration with in-your-face antagonism toward anyone who dared to be critical of 45.
I was in downtown New Orleans in August of 2017 when Omarosa thumbed her nose at African American media professionals from around the country. Then, after a brief confrontational interview, visibly infuriated, she stormed off the stage.
In an unprecedented phenomenon and despite not regretting being “a voice at the table” for the current administration, she would later com-
pare being fired to being “freed from the plantation.”
Although she fiercely originally denied being fired from the White House after witnesses observed her kicking and screaming as she was being physically removed, a report later released claimed Chief of Staff John Kelly had her fired for abusing the White House car service. Then, in an even more bizarre turn of events, Omarosa herself released a tape she had secretly recorded she claims, “to protect herself from false stories,” on which a man’s voice whom she claimed was Kelly, threatened to damage her reputation if she did not leave as a “friendly departure.”
If 45 thought Omarosa would go quietly into the night, he was sadly mistaken.
In her new book “Unhinged” which is mainly about her knowledge of Trump and his interactions, Omarosa alleges that the President “hit on her,” was delusional, or had a mental condition that makes him forget details of his interactions, and how he “rambled,” “spoke gibberish” and contradicted himself from one day to the next.”
Omarosa also claims that Trump would take action against Melania, perhaps even deport her, if she tried to divorce him. Perhaps that is why she wears fashions clearly selected to punish her husband and send him messages of her own.
Throughout her White House tenure Omarosa insisted that Trump was “racial” not “racist” and even though he used racial issues against the people, he did not discriminate. However, she has since shared that on at least one occasion Trump did use the offensive “N-word.”
More shocking than her angry discourse was Omarosa’s claim that she secretly recorded encounters during her time in the White House which, “If his office calls again, anything they want, I’ll share,” she told host Chris Matthews Monday night on MSNBC’s “Hardball.”
Despite her self-serving turnabout, Omarosa may have an opportunity for her Black Card to be reinstated. It only relies on the eventual fate of Agent Orange and any impact she has contributing to his downfall. Simple.
Otherwise, she will live in infamy, a “sistah” who disclaimed family and sided with the enemy for her personal ambition; who was dissed and desperately tried to redefine her allegiance. The role she plays in coming months will define her place in history.
The significance of her role in the future of this presidency will also define whether or not Omarosa Manigault Newman will receive a pardon for her transgression against her people or be sentenced to permanent social and spiritual exile – even if forgiven.
