Thursday, October 1, 2026
The following is a statement written and signed by ten clergy of Freeport and Roosevelt in response to the recent incident involving Interim Superintendent Shakirah Miller and School Board President Michael Pomerico. The entirety of the press release provided by the clergy is included, and has only been lightly edited for clarity.
While this statement speaks for the undersigned clergy and their congregations, this does not represent any opinions or positions held by the Freeport Herald.
If you would like to submit a press release respectfully expressing your opinion on this piece, the Miller-Pomerico incident or any other matter impacting Freeport or Roosevelt, please email it to afrancis@liherald.com with a headshot of the author.
We, the undersigned clergy serving the communities of Freeport, Roosevelt and the vicinity express our profound disappointment and concern regarding the reported interaction between Freeport Public Schools' Interim Superintendent Dr. Shakirah Miller and newly elected Board of Education President Mr. Michael Pomerico following the Board of Education reorganization meeting.
According to public reports, Dr. Miller stated that during a heated exchange following the meeting, Mr. Pomerico stood over her and made physical contact by poking her. While there are differing accounts regarding the intent of that contact, there is no disagreement that physical contact occurred. As spiritual leaders entrusted with the moral well-being of our communities, we believe that such conduct toward the chief educational administrator of our school district is deeply troubling.
For generations, Black women have too often been subjected not only to intimidation and disrespect, but to a broader pattern of dehumanization that diminishes their authority, questions their credibility, and disregards their dignity in professional and public spaces. This dehumanization manifests itself in ways both subtle and overt—through dismissive attitudes, physical encroachment, unequal treatment and the normalization of conduct that would not be tolerated toward others. We reject this pattern unequivocally and affirm that Black women deserve to be treated with the full measure of respect, humanity, honor and professionalism afforded to every leader. The dignity of Black women is not negotiable, nor should it ever be diminished by those entrusted with public authority.
We are especially troubled by the image of a White male public official standing over and making physical contact with a Black woman serving as interim superintendent of schools. Regardless of intent, such conduct evokes a painful historical reality in which Black women have too often borne the weight of racial bias, gender inequity, and institutional disrespect while carrying extraordinary leadership responsibilities. The Black Church cannot remain silent when those historical wounds are reopened in our own community.
The Black Church has long stood as a guardian of justice and human dignity. From the struggle against slavery and segregation to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, we have spoken whenever power has been exercised without humility, respect, or accountability. We do so again today—not to inflame division— but to affirm the sacred principle that every person, regardless of race, gender or position, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
The office of President of the Board of Education is one of public trust. It carries with it the responsibility to model professionalism, civility, emotional restraint, and respect. The children of Freeport are watching. Our educators are watching. Our community is watching. Leadership demands behavior worthy of the office.
Accordingly, we respectfully call upon the remaining members of the Freeport Board of Education to conduct a thorough review of this incident and to take whatever action they determine is appropriate to reaffirm the Board's commitment to professionalism, accountability and a workplace free from intimidation or harassment.
Our call is not rooted in politics or personalities. It is rooted in principle.
This is about accountability.
This is about protecting the dignity of public servants.
This is about ensuring that every employee—particularly women and women of color—can serve without fear of intimidation, humiliation, or disrespect.
We believe every public servant deserves to perform their duties in an environment marked by mutual respect and personal safety. We further believe that disagreement—even passionate disagreement—never justifies conduct that undermines another person's dignity.
As clergy, we remain committed to justice, truth, reconciliation, and peace. We pray for healing within the Freeport school district, wisdom for its elected leadership and renewed confidence among students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the entire community.
This moment calls not for division, but for courageous leadership that places respect, accountability, and the welfare of our children above all else.
