Colorado state senator Vicki Marble shocked those in attendance at a meeting of the legislature’s Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force when she suggested that people of color are poor in part because they eat too much fried chicken and BBQ.

No, really.

From FOX31 Denver:

“When you look at life expectancy, there are problems in the black race,” Marble said during a meeting of the legislature’s Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force. “Sickle-cell anemia is something that comes up. Diabetes is something that’s prevalent in the genetic makeup, and you just can’t help it. Although I’ve got to say, I’ve never had better barbecue and better chicken and ate better in my life than when you go down South and you, I mean, I love it. Everybody loves it.”

Marble continued, “The Mexican diet in Mexico with all of the fresh vegetables, and you go down there and they are much thinner than they are up here. They’ve changed their diet. I’ve read studies on that.”

Marble’s peers immediately blasted her comments for their reinforcement of stereotypes.

In response to the backlash, Marble released a statement:

“My comments were not meant to be disparaging to any community,” she said. “I am saddened they were taken in that regard. I take my responsibility seriously and I hope our work on this committee will offer real solutions to the health and financial challenges of our vulnerable populations.”

Read more at FOX31 Denver

Thoughts on Sen. Marble’s outrageous statements?

Is this apology sincere?

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