Quantcast

Attention Twitter: Cathie Black Is Not Rebecca Black's Sister

201104_norelation.jpg
Rebecca Black, left, is not related to Cathie Black, right.

Cathie Black is trending on Twitter right now which makes sense, considering the news that the head of the largest school system in America is stepping down after three months. But it also is a touch confusing for people who don't have a clue who Cathie Black is. So let us help. To start, Cathie Black is not Rebecca Black's sister.

Before Mayor Bloomberg announced that she was his pick for Department of Education Schools Chancellor, Cathleen "Cathie" Black was the chairwoman of Hearst Magazines. She had no previous experience in education, and her children were not public school students, which pissed off a lot of people. Eventually, however, she was given a waiver allowing her to take the job anyway. And once in office she almost immediately started making some serious gaffes. Like the time she suggested that the way to solve overcrowding in schools was more birth control.

Things quickly got worse as parents, students and teachers would verbally assault her in public meetings (it didn't help that she appeared to mock them). Her short public career did have one highlight, a successful (and highly scripted) trip to Albany, but it wasn't enough. When it became clear that she was an incredibly unpopular liability on the Department, the writing was on the wall. Earlier today Mayor Bloomberg announced that she would be replaced by Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott.

But here, let's make this really easy. This is Cathie Black making her birth control quip:

And this is Rebecca Black doing her, uh, thing:

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

Comments [rss]

  • m015094

    I personally would want an education director to NOT be from an education background, but from a management background. For example - firing employees that do not meet standards. Tenure is a joke. No company in the US has this. If you suck, you get fired. The unions are creating this problem.

  • unretrofiedforu

    Are we playing "how many hackneyed conservative talk points can I recite in a post" today?

  • m015094

    So, I guess by your reply that means you are for retaining bad employees?

  • FallOut

    Today: Cathy Black
    Tomorrow: Janette Sadik-Khan

    TIME'S UP!

  • spiv

    If Only!

  • splinterfoot

    whoops, sorry, yes, you are right. i didn't even research it. she is yoda's great grandma.

  • valeriob

    Fried Eggs Fried Eggs Fried Eggs!

  • splinterfoot

    unfortunately, no. the force doesn't help when it comes to education. such matters require the wisdom of the uber filthy stinking wealthy elite rulers. i'm pretty sure extending term limits for the overweight (especially those who cry because they know how fat they are) against the will of the people will solve any problems we may be having with our children. bloomburg forever!

  • Dennis Walcott is also trending!

  • I didn't know Gollum was the NYC School Chancellor!

  • Rocknrope

    Is she related to Yoda?

blog comments powered by Disqus

send a tip

tips@gothamist.com