New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Cites Being a Black Woman & Her Health As Reasons She’s Racked Up $30K In First-Class Flight Accommodations

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Cites Being a Black Woman & Her Health As Reasons She’s Racked Up $30K In First-Class Flight Accommodations

LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, did spend thousands of dollars on first-class travel, but as a Black woman, she believes she had good reasons for doing so.

According to Radar Online, the mayor recently drew criticism for her $30,000 first-class flight travel accommodations. Since then, she has promised to return every penny. As a city employee, LaToya Cantrell is bound by policy to look for the lowest rates or refund the city for exceptional charges — but she doesn’t always believe that’s the wisest course of action as a Black woman.

LaToya Cantrell said,

“Based on the policy review, however, I will have to reimburse. So, I’m moving forward to do that.”

She continued,

“Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn’t understand the world Black women walk in. My travel accommodations are a matter of safety, not of luxury. As all women know, our health and safety are often disregarded, and we are left to navigate alone.”

Cantrell added,

“As all women know, our health and safety are often disregarded, and we are left to navigate alone.”

She also mentioned more changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that her seat assignment and traveling with security was, without a doubt, connected to her health and well-being.

According to Cantrell,

“In addition to that, many may not know some of the levels of anxiety that I do have, however, COVID, I had to pivot, and I’ve had to pivot with making sure I’m traveling with security. And I have to be at my best doing it.”

Her expenses had increased significantly in recent months as a result of her $2,300 first-class flight to Washington, D.C. in January. Two months later, she paid $2,800 for a first-class ticket to Miami, followed by $9,800 for a trip to Switzerland in June and $17,000 to go to France in July.

Helena Moreno, the president of the city council, announced that the council would move forward with legislation that may potentially result in Cantrell‘s pay being docked in 2023 if she doesn’t repay the money.

What are your thoughts on the entire situation? Let us know in the comments!