Black History Month: Councilor Clifford B. Evelyn, Sr.
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As we continue celebrating Black History Month, we’re shining a light on Redmond City Councilor Clifford B. Evelyn, Sr.
During the 1950s, Evelyn was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, whose parents were from Jamaica and Trinidad.
Evelyn says he was raised in Catholic school.
“Because they had to keep me in check. No, I’m just joking. But yeah, I went to Catholic school, and which I really didn’t like but, it worked out well for me,” said Evelyn.
Evelyn would go on to graduate from George Washington High School, where he would excel in business courses. In fact, business administration would be his focus while attending New York University, in the city that never sleeps.
Evelyn said: “I love New York City. I still love New York City to this day. I like the diversity, obviously. I also like the fact that everyone respected each other. We lived in different neighborhoods, but we all worked together and different workplaces and things like that.”
In the 1980s, Evelyn would switch professions and delve into a career in law enforcement with the sheriff’s department in Clark County, Washington. During his training, he would face adversity.
“When I went to the academy, I had a couple of officers out there, recruits just like myself, right, saying racist things to me in the lunchroom and things of that nature. But, you know, I was smart enough to know not to get drawn into that type of bantering,” said Evelyn.
Once Evelyn entered into service with the sheriff’s department, later, he applied for a lieutenant’s position. Evelyn would score high on the test, but his superiors actually accused him of cheating. They made him take the test, twice.
Evelyn remembers: “The second time around, I did just as good. In fact, I did even better. And, you know, I moved on. But the fact of the matter was I had to do tests over again based on somebody saying that I cheated.”
During his tenure at the sheriff’s department, Evelyn would endure racially charged comments from others in the department including the Sheriff himself. After he complained, he was let go.
Evelyn would go on to sue the sheriff’s department and won. His settlement?
“The county settled with me for $1.2 million,” said Evelyn.
In 2021, Evelyn made history by becoming Redmond’s first Black City Councilor. His tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to the city, exemplified by his support for affordable and sustainable housing projects.
Evelyn talked about moving the City of Redmond, forward.
“I want people to know that we as a city need to work together. We need to focus, and move forward, and try to make sure that we're doing the best for everyone in this city, regardless of their race or their skin color. Black History is American history. The United States of America will not be the economic power that it is today, if it wasn't for the toil and the blood, sweat and tears put in by my ancestors to build this nation.”
Despite facing adversity, Evelyn’s resolve remains unshaken. He continues to champion inclusivity and progress, embodying the spirit of leadership and perseverance.
