When a tall woman wears heels, you’re looking at a confident leader. And when a confident leader talks like a lawyer (because she is one), you’ve got this:
Question: What are you looking for in a new police chief?
LaKenya Middlebrook: We want to really hear from all parts of the community – we’ve got five public meetings (Jan. 7-11) – and I’m eager to hear what the people say. We’re all going to have to live with this decision. Luckily, Chief Thomas gave adequate notice of her retirement so we have time to get it right.
On Aug. 31, 2021, Mayor Indya Kincannon appointed Middlebrook as the city’s first director of community safety. The press release read: “This new cabinet-level position will oversee and coordinate all aspects of community safety, increasing collaboration between the mayor, her leadership team, KPD, KFD and other community partners who are on-the-ground to address public safety issues in Knoxville.”
Question: That job description seems vague. After four months on the job, are people listening to you?
Middlebrook: What people?
She went on to discuss frequent meetings with Kincannon and attendance at city cabinet meetings. She reframed the question to ways she is listening to people, from public safety officials in other cities to kids at area schools.
Question: What’s the plan?
Middlebrook: We must clearly define the issues and look at funding for training, for instance. I’m beginning to identify the assets we already have. I want change to come quickly, but this will take time. Our plan must be reasonable, thoughtful and intentional.
Middlebrook attended public schools and graduated from Austin-East, “a proud Road Runner.” She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2002 and UT College of Law in 2006. She worked in private practice from 2008-10 and 2012-20. In-between, she served as director of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center.
Question: Discuss the KPD killing of Anthony Thompson Jr.
Middlebrook: We (all people) see violence in many different ways. I’ve looked at safety in and around schools and had a lot of conversations with Knox County Schools. We need to elevate the voices of the community – empower students to take responsibility for their own safety.
When LaKenya was 10, her father, the Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook, signed her on as named plaintiff in Middlebrook v School District of the County of Knox, Tennessee, a lawsuit intended to halt the closing of inner-city schools and the busing of minority students in the name of desegregation. Betty Bean’s July 2018 story here.
Question: Talk about growing up in your family.
Middlebrook: My parents are regular people, compassionate and not overly impressed by anyone. We were a family engaged in social issues. I was encouraged to have a viewpoint and to speak up; to believe that what I think or say is valuable.
Question: You are tall.
Middlebrook: Yes, I’ve always been tall. There was this woman at church, always dressed well and she was tall. She told me, “Stand up straight, don’t slouch. And wear heels every chance you get.”
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today.