Friday, June 19, 2009

REAL ACTION MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY I’M SORRY

The U.S. Senate voted on June 18 in favor of a measure to apologize to African-Americans for slavery and segregation.

Louisiana’s own Sen. Mary Landrieu co-sponsored the bill and was reported to have said 
“Although our society and government has made significant strides in advancing civil rights, our current progress does not correct the mistakes of our past . . . A full apology is not only necessary but long overdue.” 

Let’s say slavery in America begin with English colonization at the turn of the 17th century and was legally ended in 1865 with the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution. For nearly 260 years it existed, ending 144 years ago. And if the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is used as the historical marker of the end of formal racial discrimination, sanctioned injustices existed against Blacks in America for nearly 100 years after slavery.  

Indeed, it is so long overdue that  . . . well . . . what for?  

Exactly what does one—or in this case and entire race of people—do with an “I’m sorry” for something that has had the tremendous historical and social effect of the enslavement and the subsequent injustices against Black people? Good intentions aside, this display, which took place in a nearly empty senate chamber, was more or less a waste of time.  

What’s the appropriate response? Do we all hold hands and burst into a rousing chorus of “Kumbaya?” 
Just a short while ago, Sen. Landrieu’s recommendation to reappoint Jim Letten as U.S. attorney—whose actions here in New Orleans in several cases involving injustices against African-Americans were disconcerting—was, we believe, an affront to true justice and the call for change. His removal would have brought some healing to our community, and we would have accepted her reconsideration of that decision over the “sorry for slavery” resolution any day. 

In fact, lead sponsor of the bill Sen. Tim Harkin (D-Iowa) said “This resolution will not fix lingering injustices; the real work lies ahead.” 

And there it is. As this resolution now heads to the House of Representatives, The New Orleans Tribune would urge our elected officials to skip the mea culpa and get to the “real work.” That’s what we think. We’d like to know what cha say? Do you want apologies or policy?  

Posted by The New Orleans Tribune at 21:11:42 | Permalink | No Comments »

Friday, June 5, 2009

Archipishop Hughes’ Decision Unfair

Archbishop Hughes has announced plans to takes $8.3 million intended for repairs to Epiphany of Our Lord School and use in for projects in Mandeville and St Bernard. It’s a move that Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell will fight, saying that the funds should be used at other New Orleans Catholic schools and community centers in District D that have taken on the students of the now closed Epiphany.
“The children of District D should benefit from these FEMA funds, which could be used to improve the quality of education in our area,” said Councilmember Hedge-Morrell. “When I first became aware of the Archbishop’s proposal, I sent a letter to FEMA encouraging them to reinvest those funds in our community, either in a community center at Corpus Christi or at St. Leo the Great Catholic School where Epiphany students now attend. I think it is essential that the parishioners of the four Catholic Churches in the district be involved in the Archdiocese’s decision. The parishioners raised millions of dollars to build those churches and schools, and they must be respected regarding the use of the FEMA funds.”
Councilmember Hedge-Morrell plans to contact FEMA directly and request that Archbishop Hughes meet with parishioners from the four impacted parishes in the near future to discuss possible uses of the FEMA funds.
The Tribune is encouraged by the councilwoman’s concern in this matter and urges all Catholic Church parishioners in District D to join Councilman Hedge-Morrell in letting both FEMA and Archbishop Hughes know how they feel about this.
Like many other areas in this city, Black Catholic churches lost much in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was bad enough that the archdiocese chose not to rebuild Epiphany, but siphoning funds meant for that church to other areas outside of New Orleans and District D is completely unfair. This community must be made whole, and funds designated to serve this area ought to remain in this area. That’s what we say? what cha say? Is Archbishop Hughes’ decision right? Or should those more than $8 million meant for Epiphany stay in the community?
Posted by The New Orleans Tribune at 20:52:44 | Permalink | Comments (1) »