See? What goes around really DOES come around

When it comes to the Dougherty Count School Board Fab Four, nothing seems to surprise me much.  Probably the biggest shock about the Albany Herald report in this morning’s paper is that it’s just so blatant it’s ridiculous.  For those that missed it, it turns out that Anita Williams-Brown received a letter of recommendation from Dr. Joshua Murfree for a principal’s position
in 2001.

I guess that’s what they mean by “what goes around comes around”, don’t you think?

The letter, as reported in the Herald, follows:

“Dear School Board:
I am honored to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Dr. Anita Williams – Brown whom I have know (sic) for approximately three years as Assistant Principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School here in Albany, Georgia.

I have observed and worked with Anita as we mentor students through The Center of the African-American Male at Martin Luther King Elementary School. Anita Brown is an outstanding person to say the least. She is motivated and dedicated to education of children and youth. Dr. Brown is a General in the field of education. I know this lady to be fair, committed and dedicated to her school, students, faculty and staff.

Dr. Brown has the ability and the will to lead. She knows that leaders are visible, strong, determined and get results. Dr. Brown is this type of person who will get in the trenches to assist rather than stand on the banks and demand. Dr. Brown allows for creativity and autonomy from her teachers. Dr. Brown takes on activities which benefits students on the elementary, middle and high school levels in the Dougherty county (sic) area. She is well known in the community. Dr. Brown is always willing to assist and help.

It is evident that Dr. Brown is a dedicated leader. She is mild-mannered, and yet very serious. The beauty of her leadership style is that she knows how to listen to others. In her eyes is a determination of goodwill toward education and seeing young people achieve to the highest of their proficiency. She believes that education should start early. Dr. Brown often states, “It is never too early to learn. We must make teaching effective, learning attractive, fun and rewarding and then, the road to success is paved forever.”

“Dr. Brown is a great role model and shows her greatness on a daily basis as a mother and grandmother and a dedicated servant of God. She encourages her daughter to be the best that she can in the face of adversity. She teaches her daughter that there is a world beyond the walls of her home and the walls of her school. She let (sic) others around her know that children and youth are challenged by the perils of a society and that they are not the real threat to a society. She believes that students are at risk based on what we as adults have demonstrated and made available. The environment places students at risk not students on the environment.

Dr (sic) Brown fosters, support and admires what she calls team effort. “It is about all of us.” She would sometimes remind me by saying, “Dr. Murfree, the “wagon of life” (sic) would not be so heavy if some of us would just get out and help push.”

Dr (sic) Brown is best described and represented in the true sense of the word as stated by Soren Kierkeegaard (sic, spelled Kierkegaard) …

“To be that self which
one truly is; is indeed
the opposite of despair.”

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to send this letter in support of a well-deserving colleague, and friend, and . (sic) I strongly recommend Dr. Brown to your organization and formalized learning setting without any reservations. Please feel free to contact me if there is further information that will assist in your evaluation of Dr. Anita Williams-Brown for the position that she is seeking with your system.

I can be reached at Area Code 229.430.3032, by E-mail: jmurfree@asurams.edu or by my mailing address at 504 College Drive, Catherine M. Harnett Building (,) Albany State University, Albany, Georgia 30165.

Respectfully, I remain

Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., Ph.D., MAC, CCJS, ABFE, DAPA
Chairman, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work”

Now, keep in mind that Williams-Brown never revealed her relationship with Murfree to other Board members.  Also keep in mind that she downplayed the relationship in which Murfree describes her as a “colleague, and friend”. 

When questioned after the School Board meeting last night, Williams-Brown issues a “no comment” to the Herald, but as she apparently walked out the door she said, “The only thing you’re trying to do is destroy my name and my office.”

No ma’am.  You’re doing a spectacular job of that all on your own.  You have managed to sully your own name with this idiotic attempt to hire Dr. Murfree despite the lack of actual qualifications.  If you’re just trying to repay a debt, there’s better ways that don’t leave the children of Dougherty County out to dry.