Tyrone Wilson’s recent appointment to the Ulster County Human Rights Commission by Legislature Minority Leader Kevin Roberts has stirred controversy in light of Wilson having been removed from his previous role as the county’s Human Rights Director for making offensive remarks about multiple groups.
Wilson’s troubled history dates back to his dismissal in April 2023 by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, who cited the offensive remarks as grounds for termination, spurring the resignation of three other commissioners in a flurry of back-and-forth accusations.
The sexist and racist statements, made on social media and on a local Radio Kingston show, led to his firing, as well as the end of his radio program. Wilson claimed that he lacked proper training to understand “cultural and community differences” in his former position with an annual salary of $77,386. He has reported reaching out out to some of those groups afterward in hopes of fostering dialogue and apologizing.
Reactions to Wilson’s new commission role remain sharply divided. County Executive Jen Metzger and Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle conveyed deep concern that his record will undermine public trust in the Commission. Chair Peter Criswell is also expressed worry about the effect on marginalized groups, while Wilson insisted he posed no threat to them and vows to focus on serving the county’s residents. Roberts, who appointed Wilson, stood by his decision, calling Wilson fair and capable, and indicated he thinks the criticism is politically motivated. Wilson himself has denounced the criticism as unfair, saying he has grown from past mistakes, and stresses that he intends to continue supporting the community through this new position.
Wilson is also the founder of Harambee Kingston, a nonprofit dedicated to hosting events and stewarding the Pine Street African Burial Ground project. The organization is funded in large part by multimillionaire Peter Buffett’s NoVo Foundation, which has contributed up to $250,000 annually for several years running. Radio Kingston is also primarily funded by NoVo, receiving over $10 million in support in 2023 alone.
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