Seldom do I write letters to this newspaper or any print media. However, after pondering for a couple of weeks, I felt a moral conviction to express my thoughts.
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal,” a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., perfectly captures my sentiments.
The recent decision by the Columbus City Council to forgo holding a public hearing as part of the redistricting process is unbelievable and insulting to the citizens of this city. I will temper my criticism of council members DiCicco and Greene because their paths have been different from other council members.
However, the four African-American council members should feel a sense of shame. Yes, I know, it’s not legally required, but there should be a sense of moral obligation to include your constituents in the process. Undoubtedly, if they were versed on the City of Columbus’ past history of at-large elections, perhaps they would have paused in making their self-serving decision.
African-Americans face significant challenges from gerrymandering, voter’s suppression and disenfranchisement, yet those benefiting from the struggle seem to have taken their eyes off the prize. It is puzzling: Why pay a consultant thousands of dollars to complete the redistricting process and ignore his recommendation to hold a public hearing? Having been involved in the redistricting process in Lowndes County and throughout the state for years, I can’t remember a case where a public hearing wasn’t held.
As a taxpaying citizen of this community, who also happens to be elected, I will not relinquish my right to speak out against actions detrimental to the well-being of my constituents. “Silence is betrayal.” I’m sure I will receive pushback from members of the Columbus City Council for this letter, but let me be blunt: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” This iconic line from Gone with the Wind, reflects my unwavering commitment to what truly matters. If the proposed annexation plan was not disingenuous enough, now we have a redistricting process, where the elected officials in charge seem to care less about public opinion.
This letter is my initial alarm for a wake-up call for the voting citizens of Columbus. Seemingly, the presidential election has drawn everyone’s eyes off the Mayor and City Council election next year, but we must never lose sight of the fact our lives are most impacted by local government. Voters beware! There is a nefarious plot being conceived by remnants of the old administration. It’s time to move on from the leaders that almost wrecked the financial well-being of the city. Don’t be misled, their influence is all over city hall.
Some may wonder what my issue is with the city council. I’m glad you asked. I have no issue. I have worked diligently for over 40 years to improve the quality of life in the community. After being elected, I along with esteemed African-American leaders in our community, dedicated ourselves to electing African-Americans to public office. It seems this effort has been for naught, as some focus on a free trip, a steak and a shot of whiskey, while the people suffer.
Daily, I hear citizens express their concerns about the future of our city. The conversation always ends with, “What can be done?” The survival of our city rests with electing competent men and women, with a vision of moving forward and willingness to put the people ahead of personal agendas. A former Mayor of Birmingham once stated, “Power can be intoxicating.”
For Africans-Americans, race can no longer be the sole criterion, nor should friendship or kinship for electing candidates to office. We must demand a certain level of knowledge, more importantly, character should top our priority list. I know there are competent African-Americans in our community capable of moving this community forward. Let’s support them. For the white citizens who may feel left out of the equation, there is a reality. African-Americans will hold the majority of elected seats in city hall, much like county government will remain overwhelmingly white. However, you can help change the trajectory of politics in this city. Rather than selecting candidates with no chances of winning as a symbolic gesture, align your votes and resources with progressive African-Americans leaders. Through trusting coalition building, we can be successful.
Our community is at a crossroad. There is no inclusive plan for the future. More importantly, who will lead us? My message is simple. We deserve better. For those who sit silently and allow the city to be ruined, silence is betrayal.
Leroy Brooks is Lowndes County Supervisor for District 5.
Leroy Brooks represents District 5 on the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. He can be reached at [email protected].
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