A10 NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2009 OPINION NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Guest Editorial
We must reclaim the value of life
(NNPA)—For decades now, I have
traveled across this nation to listen,
Al Sharpton
tape of the beating death of 16-year-
old Chicago Fenger High School
Do your part to protect
learn and absorb the concerns and honor student Derrion Albert. But
frustrations of the community. I’ve what many not realize is that this
marched with victims of police bru- high school remains a war zone
a child and limit
tality, consoled families who have
viciously lost loved ones and called Commentary
where children simply seeking an ed-
ucation to advance themselves do not
for transparency and proper judicial feel secure even in a classroom. How
underage prostitution
proceedings for those that have can we urge our kids to strive for
been wrongfully victimized by our higher achievement when we fail to
system. provide them with the basic tools of
But after years of civil rights ac- walking on campus. Sadly, the list of development? And what can we ex-
by Shannon Williams
tivism, and after years of countless innocent victims appears to have no pect for the future of the United
troubling incidents, never before end in sight. States when our most precious citi-
Being a journalist, and even a private citizen in such a con- have I been as outraged as I am The level of gun usage and the epi- zens are arming themselves and en-
tentious and corrupt society can sometimes desensitize me to today. On Nov. 16, a 15-year-old girl
demic of violence in communities gaging in warfare on streets in virtu-
certain things. While I’m a bit desensitized at times, it doesn’t
in the Bronx, N.Y., was walking across the country has hit an astro- ally every state.
mean I’m not empathetic to the ills of this world, because I
home from school when a stray bul- nomical level. According to the Vio- Unfortunately, the excessive and
am; rather it means that few things surprise me anymore.
let struck her in the back of the lence Policy Center, firearms are the exponentially growing outburst of vi-
I believe I began to feel this way after 9/11. The 2001 attack
head. The alleged shooter, described second most frequent cause of death olence is not confined to children and
by mainstream media as a ‘baby- overall for Americans aged 15-24. If teenagers. Last month, a 92-year-old
on America was so horrific and unjustifiable that still today,
faced 16-year-old’ is now held with- we are not fed up and outraged al- grandmother was watching TV in-
the deed remains incomprehensible to me. Thirteen months
out bail, along with four others—all ready, the time to stand up and do side her Bronx home when a stray
after 9/11, my mom passed away. And during the same month
23 and younger—who authorities something is NOW. We cannot sit bullet ended her fruitful life. The
of my mom’s death, John Allen Muhammad and his juvenile say coerced the young shooter to pull idly by and watch our innocent chil- plight of violence in urban communi-
accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo began a shooting rampage on the
the trigger. dren die so senselessly. Nor can we ties is horrendous, worrisome and
east coast, killing 10 people and critically wounding three
Last month, a Decatur High School run from the underlying issues that simply out of control. It is our babies,
others.
junior football varsity player in At- lead some young people to pick up a sons, daughters, grandparents and
Perhaps it was the emotional stress during that time period,
lanta was laid to rest after falling gun in the first place, and in turn, loved ones that are losing in every
or simply shock, but I haven’t been the same since. Very few
victim to a drive-by shooting. In ruin their own lives. sense of the word. I am outraged; the
Baton Rouge, La., a 16-year-old was As parents, aunts, uncles, cousins community is outraged. But together
things in the media since that period of time have affected me
shot and killed as two “men” strug- and more join together to honor their we can work to find a sustainable so-
to the point of feeling overwhelmed with grief, sadness and
gled over a handgun in early Octo- lost loved ones, concerned citizens, lution so that none of us will have to
physically sick—until this week. ber. The shooter in this case—a 22- elected officials and community ac- watch another horrific video, witness
Earlier this week, I was reminded of how horribly sick, irra- year-old—is now charged with negli-
tivists will call for an end to the un- another tragic shooting or lose an-
tional, insensitive and cruel people can be.
gent homicide. And a few weeks ago, precedented and frightening national other precious soul.
When I learned of the disappearance of 5-year-old Shaniya
a Spelman College sophomore was epidemic. We must reclaim the value of life
Davis of North Carolina, I was saddened. I remember thinking
hit and killed by a stray bullet while We all watched the graphic video- for the sake of our own lives.
of some of the other recent cases of missing girls throughout
the country and how so many of the outcomes resulted in
death. So while I was sad and perhaps even a bit too realistic
or pessimistic in my thinking, I didn’t get that overwhelming
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! A matter of national security
feeling in the pit of my stomach like I did in 2001 and 2002.
That feeling eventually came, however, when I learned that
by Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
of them. Please don’t think this oc- They are now being counted in the
Davis’ mother, Antoinette Davis offered the child for sex. The curred simply because this is Detroit. I heavy tolls that are taken in crime, de-
feeling became even more overwhelming when I saw surveil- Is anyone paying attention to the want you to know this is your city also. spair, family splintering and angry
lance video of the male perpetrator, Mario Andrette McNeill
depths of despair and hopelessness that You just may not have gotten the word people. Now is the time for a new type
carrying the innocent and barefoot Shaniya into a seedy
has gripped American urban communi- yet. This pain is running like a deep of Humphrey Hawkins Full Employ-
motel.
ties? While our attention is on national river through the main streets of every ment Act. It was Oct. 27, 1978 when
Looking at the pictures I was overcome with grief because
health care, Afghanistan and Iraq, city in urban America. this bill was signed into law. Originally
someone better be watching our back A week earlier the Detroit Edison introduced by Augustus Hawkins and
Shaniya looked like any other 5-year-old. Little did she know
right here in our local communities. Company called for a meeting to pro- co-sponsored by Hubert Humphrey, it
of the torture before her.
Certainly we need national health vide energy and utility assistance to stated, “A bill to establish and trans-
After only an hour at the motel, McNeill and the child left.
care and the wars must end. Yet there families in preparation for winter. late into practical reality the right of
Shaniya’s lifeless body was found near a heavily wooded is also a war that is being waged inside Thousands showed up at a location all adult Americans able, willing and
road.
our neighborhoods. This war has been formerly used for the Michigan State seeking to work to full opportunity for
What’s even more unfortunate than Shaniya’s fate is that she
going on far too long without very Fair. The energy company was forced useful paid employment, production
wasn’t the first child to endure such circumstances, nor will
much national priority. Millions of peo- to shut the meeting down four hours and purchasing power goals with
she be the last. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Department of
ple have lost jobs and are continuing early due to the overflowing crowd. proper attention to balanced growth
Justice says child prostitution has become a problem of epi-
the process of losing their homes to Detroit has lost the significant impact and national priorities; to mandate
foreclosure. I live in the city of Detroit. of the auto industry which has devas- such national economic policies and
demic proportions with estimates ranging between 300,000
Detroit is a very vibrant city with tated many families. Manufacturing programs as are necessary to achieve
and 800,000. Those figures are even higher when one con-
many jewels, which most folks never jobs have disappeared overseas and full employment, production and pur-
siders the number of homeless kids, teen runaways and cast- see. All that is ever really described is the government has not quite man- chasing power; to restrain inflation;
offs who are unaccounted for. the pain of unemployment, dilapi-
aged to fix this problem. However, let and to provide explicit machinery for
Child prostitution is an inconvenient truth that many Ameri-
dated buildings and crime. Even us remember the preamble to the Con- the development and implementation
cans choose to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to. It seems to
though all of this is not a fair depiction stitution of the United States, which of such economic policies and pro-
be easier for some people to think that human trafficking is a
of Detroit, welcome to urban America. says, “In order to form a more perfect grams.” Not since the Employment Act
problem in foreign and impoverished countries rather than
This is also Chicago, Memphis, Char- union, establish justice, insure domes- of 1946 which encouraged the federal
lotte, Harlem, D.C., L.A., Columbus, tic tranquility, provide for the common government to pursue, “maximum em-
here in the United States.
Baltimore, Jackson, New Orleans and defense, promote the general welfare ployment, production and purchasing
Well, it’s time for people to wake up and face reality. Human
right where you live. There is enough and secure the blessings of liberty to power through cooperation with pri-
trafficking is a major problem in the United States and some-
unemployment and hardship going ourselves and our posterity.” This issue vate enterprise,” have we seen such a
thing has to be done about it. around for everybody to get their own of unemployment is a matter of na- major government intervention.
As I mentioned, Shaniya isn’t the only child who has en-
piece of the action. tional security. One cannot imagine the I don’t care what you call it, we need to
dured such maltreatment. As you read these words, there’s
A few weeks ago the City of Detroit pain that is now in the midst of the implement a national program to help
probably a child somewhere in Indiana who has been sold for
Planning and Development Depart- homes of families with fathers and the people of America. The stimulus
sex. Even if a child hasn’t been sold into prostitution, I’d bet
ment called for a meeting in downtown mothers who are without the means to program is taking too long to implement
Detroit to deal with a special economic support themselves and their families. in terms of the trickle down to the
my last dollar that there’s a child who is being molested—
opportunity for those without homes. If they don’t have legitimate resources streets of the nation, from the suites of
right now.
This initiative, The Homeless Preven- to aid them as we can plainly see they the nation. This great need should not
So, what are we going to do about it?
tion and Rapid Re-Housing Program, will pursue other illegitimate means. be written off as merely another gov-
One thing we have to do is be more accountable adults. This was held to provide applications for Many of us cry out over the death and ernment program. It is a government
means paying attention to things, even when it’s not neces-
those who qualify for economic aid destruction in urban communities. mandate to do what is necessary to pro-
sarily our business. Gone are the days when all parents have
through the stimulus program pro- Youth violence continues to rise high. vide, protect, promote and perpetuate
their child’s best interest at heart, so it’s up to us to be the
vided by HUD. Only about 3,500 appli- Gang violence is now becoming a factor the quality of life for all Americans.
eyes and ears of our community and for these kids. We must
cations were available. Almost 50,000 in communities where prior to this If we do not do this then we can ex-
pay attention to even the smallest things and report any
people showed up to receive such an time it has not been a major concern. pect more crime, more gang violence,
application. This influx of people As our cities are forced to close down more family splintering, less faith and
wrongdoings. This is especially true for administrators and
charged on the Cobo Convention Cen- recreational centers along with a con- hope in the political system to do what
educators. Abused children exhibit certain characteristics that
ter mistakenly believing that the tinuous exiting of meaningful employ- it is constitutionally mandated to do. I
can be indicators of mistreatment. If you interact with children Obama administration was providing ment, tensions are rising, patience is do remember the words of former Pres-
on a regular basis, pay attention to the signs and don’t be monetary grants for this particular
ending and hope seems to be fading. ident John F. Kennedy who said on his
afraid to voice concerns if you suspect a child to be in danger.
program. This was due to the fact that We need in America, not tomorrow, but inauguration day, “Ask not what your
We also have to make sure that our elected officials are
the news media sent a message that today, a national urban strategy to ad- country can do for you, but what you
doing all they can to ensure that there are programs in place
confused the issue. However, the mis- dress these concerns. can do for your country.” I believe now
that will protect and assist families in need. At the end of this
take only provided a very accurate in- Have we forgotten? When unemploy- it is time to say what we have for years
dication of what many already know. ment is counted in urban communities already done for our country. Now it is
year a wonderful local organization that helps families during
The depth of despair and anger in our it is generally in double digits. The time for our country to do something
crises will close its doors because of funding. Youth Emer-
urban cities runs deep. There were ar- state of Michigan has a 15 percent rate for the people. Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! It is not
gency Services provides comfort to families during challeng-
guments about standing too long in of unemployment. The city of Detroit a national option; it really is a matter
ing times and prides itself on intervening before a situation line and people were generally upset
has a 28 percent rate of unemploy- of our national security.
becomes a crisis. Come Dec. 31, what will happen to the fam-
with the slow pace of government as- ment. Yet we know that many have (Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is president, De-
ilies that YES services?
sistance. Some even threatened to dropped out of the reporting process troit NAACP and a member of NAACP national
In addition to the aforementioned, we really have to tackle
shoot folks who jumped in line in front and are not being counted on the rolls. board of directors.)
the drug and mental illness problems that plague our com-
munities. Once we combat these problems, we’ll probably see
a decrease in violent crimes and sexual offenses.
I’m committed now more than ever to be a better observer
Racial strife in Kennett, Mo.
and advocate for people who are underserved and mistreated.
Doing so will avenge those responsible for Shaniya’s death
by Judge Greg Mathis
rested Ellis have a different story. They nett are also more than twice as likely
and keep her memory alive. say she shoved store customers and
as White drivers to be searched and to
(Reprinted from the Indianapolis Recorder.) Three years ago, Heather Ellis, a col- kicked police officers. Walmart won’t be arrested. Hispanics don’t fare much
lege student, stopped at a Walmart in release video of the incident. better in the town: they are stopped by
Kennett, Mo., something she often did. Many in the small town of Kennett police more than three times their pop-
When she decided to switch lines, cut- support Ellis, who dreamt of going to ulation numbers and are more than
NEW
Pittsburgh Courier
ting in front of other customers, things medical school who has no criminal four times as likely to be searched and
got ugly. Today, Ellis, 24, could face up history. A rally was held by local ac- arrested as White drivers.
to 15 years in jail if convicted of the tivists this past June to show support. Racism—overt, ugly racism—is alive
charges brought against her: assault- The KKK decided to show up as well, and well in America. The work of orga-
Founded 1910
ing police officers, resisting arrest and littering the area with subtly threat- nizations like the NAACP and SCLC is
disturbing the peace. Local activists ening paraphernalia. In November, still greatly needed. Local organiza-
have marched in protest of Ellis’ arrest another rally was held as her trial tions that fight against injustice also
Rod Doss
and to support her during the trial. began; a handful of neo-Nazi’s need your support. As you gear up for
Editor & Publisher Hate groups have also marched, but
showed up, waving confederate flags. the holiday season, consider making a
for very different reasons. This simple Ellis’ trial is under way and her fam- gift, in someone’s honor, to one of the
Stephan A. Broadus trip to the store has brought national
ily hopes for a fair trial. That may be many organizations that fight for
Assistant to the Publisher
attention to a town with a history of difficult: the prosecutor assigned to equality and fairness. When stories like
racial tensions. Depending on the ver- the case is the author of a book with a the one in Kennett make the news,
Ulish Carter Eric Gaines
dict, which is expected soon, things in confederate flag on the cover. share them on your Facebook and Twit-
Managing Editor Advertising Manager
Kennett may only get worse. Kennett, a town of about 11,000, is no ter pages. More people need to be made
There are no straight answers about stranger to racial tension. The Missouri aware of these situations. Though this
Allison Palm Jeff Marion
what happened in that Walmart three Attorney General’s office produced a re- country has come a long way in and
years ago. Ellis says some White cus- port that shows police there target peo- racial tension has eased substantially.
Office Manager Circulation Consultant
tomers pushed her and yelled racial ple of color disproportionately for stops, However, the activities in Kennett
slurs when she cut the line. She claims searches and arrests. African-Ameri- show that we still have a ways to travel
John H. Sengstacke
store employees were disrespectful and cans are just over 12 percent of the Ken- and that we must all play a part.
Editor & Publisher Emeritus
that police officers also made racially nett population but they accounted for (Judge Greg Mathis is vice president of Rain-
(1912-1997)
offensive comments toward her. Some almost 15 percent of traffic stops last bow PUSH and a national board member of the
witnesses and the officers who ar- year. African-American drivers in Ken- Southern Christian Leadership Conference.)
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