Noted Black Lives Matter activist and the former mayoral candidate for the city of Baltimore DeRay Mckesson has been named interim chief human capital officer for the cityâs school districts.
Mckesson was appointed by incoming schools CEO Sonja Santelises, and was chosen for the position based on his prior experience as a reforms strategistâamong them a special assistant within the same, ominously-named officeâalong with his many other laurels.
âHe has the depth of knowledge of the system, and he has proved that he can lift the work in a short amount of time,â Santelises told The Baltimore Sun. âAnd he has proven his dedication to the children of Baltimore.â
She also cited his âhand-on experience, leadership skills, and energyâ as some of his outstanding qualifications.
Along with Santelis, who will take up her new role on Friday, Mckesson also spoke to the press about the appointment.
âAt its core, this role is about finding great people, matching them to the right role, and helping them to develop and experience careers in the service of our kids,â said the activist. âI am excited to return to city schoolsâŚand to continue doing the work to ensure that every child in Baltimore City receives a world-class education.â
Mckessonâs new position comes months after he finished sixth in Baltimoreâs mayoral primary this past April, garnering roughly 2.5% of the vote.
Contact the author at jamie.reich@jezebel.com.
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