Enough is Enough!
Enough is enough. I can't sit idly by and continue to watch this childish display. A black cloud still hangs over our city. Even more prominent in election years, it slowly permeates through every facet of our society until it seemingly poisons the most rational of men and women. Our generation reaches for greatness while some of those before us try to have us succumb to tradition. The old adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same" rings true, and it's a nauseating stench - one I will continue to fight to extinguish. As Jackson pushes closer to becoming the metropolis we all know it can be, as I struggle to raise kids in a city better than the one I came into, as I attempt to continue the legacy my great mother set for me and her students, the legacy of acceptance, oneness, and love for everyone, I want to honor what she taught me by shaming the devil, and the devil, Jackson, is in these details.
Wyatt Emmerich, thank you. Thank you for further perpetuating the long held belief that the white residents of this city vote in one monolithic bloc. Through the power of your publication, you had the opportunity to move us forward. Instead, you let down the many young, white professional Jacksonians that I call friends by playing into the same politics of fear that they have tried to destroy. Every theory my community has ever had, you made valid. True or not. Your column was irresponsible and your thinking archaic, not just as a publisher, but as a Jacksonian. Though I have lived in every part of the city, I was raised mostly on the same "north side" that you declared needed to show up and vote for particular candidates, and I am offended at the thought that certain votes are more "vital" than others. Your paper is a mainstay here and has the ability to do great good. You have the chance to be a uniter of people and bridge the schism that exists between blacks and whites, but you've failed us in that regard.
Rep. Jim Evans, thank you. Thank you for solidifying for me the reality that a new generation of African American leaders needs to emerge in Jackson if we are ever going to succeed. You do not speak for all of the black folks in Jackson, nor do we share that same outdated attitude, and the rational thinkers amongst us must shun your words. Your comments do nothing but foster more dissent amongst those of us here who know that only through the passion of Jackson's warriors, black and white, can we progress. Rep. Evans, you are a great man. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and what you have accomplished. Our conversations have always been good ones, and I've felt that my drive has impressed you. You are an elected official and a man who should serve as a role model to today's blossoming leaders. But tonight, as I pour out my heart, you have disappointed me. That may mean nothing to you, but your words were divisive and disrespectful. Most of what I learned as a journalist can be attributed to Charles Tisdale, and the Mr. T I knew would have made sure that I stood up and spoke out against something I vehemently disagreed with, friend or foe. Our generation is not encumbered with those same racial shackles you clearly are still dealing with. We acknowledge them but no longer use them as a crutch. I work every day to change the perception of young, educated, black males in Jackson while your words (coon, particularly) set us back decades. They were simply wrong.
We are at a crossroads, Jackson. This election makes me realize more than ever that if we don't recognize and call out racism, innuendo, or outright ignorance where it stands TODAY, we will never prosper. White Jacksonians, if there is no "conspiracy" at play here, then now is the time to prove that there isn't one. Send letters to the editor, emails, or phone calls whenever the aura of elitism raises its ugly head. Your vote is only "just" as important as ours, not "more". Have your own thoughts. Use your own mind. Make your own choice.
Black Jacksonians, stop blaming our underachieving on someone else. No one here is preventing any of us from excelling. If we, the 75% of this great city, have allowed 25% to "control" us, our property, or our quality of life, then it is US who needs to be chastised. Period. We cannot grow without our white comrades and they cannot grow without us. Be mindful of those who continue to try to keep Jackson divided, even in 2009. They too could be out for their own gain, political or financial.
I'm of the opinion that our downtown must be magnificent. I put my money where my mouth is to make that a reality. But I am also Northgate, I am Cromwell Street, I am Christian Brotherhood, I am First Avenue off Prentiss. I am and have lived in all those places, and I have comrades who are still there. They are looking to me to be that lighthouse to guide them to equal successes. Whether it be music, development, or writing, I have the duty to make available to everyone all the riches this city has to offer. To that end, every nook and cranny of this city MUST be saved not just downtown. I stand ready to work with everyone who speaks out whether it be Othor Cain, Donna Ladd, Alice Tisdale, Jeff Good, or our next mayor. We all want the same thing: a better city for everyone. But the childish antics must stop. The vitriol must stop. The leaflets, emails, and backbiting must stop. What example are YOU prepared to set? Personally, I believe Henry Kirksey would indeed be turning over in his grave. Not because of DJP, but because Jacksonians are making a complete spectacle of themselves this election cycle. Some of you should be ashamed.
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