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October 16, 2025

Video: Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner: “He sure doesn’t behave like someone who is African American” –

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen

On May 28, 2019

BLOOMINGTON, IL. (ECWd) –

During the Mayor’s open house last week, Bloomington, Illinois Mayor Tari Renner stated that [U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas] “sure does not behave like someone who is African American.

That comment caught me by surprise, and made me wonder how Mayor Renner thinks African Americans should “behave.”

So I sent an email to Renner and all of the Bloomington Councilmen, asking two questions:

  • Mayor Renner, In light of your comment caught on video during a recent Open House: “[Clarence Thomas] sure does not behave like someone who is African American.”  I invite you to please explain, in your own words, exactly how African Americans should behave.
  • City Council Members, I invite you to comment whether or not you agree with your Mayor, and if you believe there is a certain way that African Americans should behave, and how you think they should behave.

Only one person answered my request for comment, and it really wasn’t an answer at all:

Hi John,

We all have unique behaviors. I try to live my life by the Golden Rule.
I look at peoples’ actions, which reflect their character,  rather than at their appearance and hope others do the same.
I hope these comments satisfy your request.
Donna Boelen
Alderman, Ward 2
When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” –Maya Angelou

We would still like Renner to answer the questions posed, but doubt he will.

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