Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 12, 1995 TAG: 9507120041
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ONZLEE WARE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Many in the Northwest community question the need, as well as this type of approach as a means to boost our residents' morale and economic development within our boundaries. We know the closing of schools in our community didn't alone cause its deterioration, nor was it the sole cause of the morale problem that exists today.
Let's be clear and honest. The cause of the deterioration was substantially due to the lack of jobs, lack of economic development, and lack of vision for the Northwest community. Quite frankly, it has been ignored and treated as a second-class citizen. As a result, we now have a community that's rapidly losing hope in a system that doesn't appear to work for it.
When people lose hope, almost simultaneously their morale will be broken, and a lowered self-esteem becomes the result. Ironically, it appears the Northwest community is paid special and particular attention during three months of certain years - I dare you to guess which years I refer to - yet it goes completely unnoticed the rest of the time. A coincidence? I'll let you draw your own inferences.
If we are sincere about revitalizing Northwest, it will never happen until we create jobs, and create and implement a strategic economic plan with input from the community's residents. Building a new school without first considering the aforementioned will be yet another big mistake, and an insult to residents.
If given the choice, would the Northwest community rather spend the estimated $4.5 million to $6 million on the four existing schools in our community, create structured after-school programs and tutoring programs, and put computers in classrooms? Or would residents prefer the proposed school, the need for which is suspect? I cannot say what their choice would be, but I doubt that they were ever asked.
If we had been asked, I doubt our No. 1 priority would be the building of the proposed school instead of drug- and crime-free streets, quality education for our children, affordable and quality housing and, most importantly, jobs in our community.
If the Northwest community has any hope of revitalization and remaining an African-American community, the hope must come from those of us who reside within it. The record shows it surely will not be accomplished by those who live beyond its boundaries, nor should it.
We, the residents of Northwest, must take the lead in raising these issues, which will ensure the future of our community's rich and glorious tradition. A wise man once said, ``No one will struggle and chase your dreams, except yourself.''
What's wrong with the Northwest community's morale? No jobs, and no apparent plans for its economic future.
Thanks, but no thanks. Keep the school, but we will accept a firm commitment for the expending of its estimated cost toward jobs, renovating existing schools, and a firm commitment to economic development.
Onzlee Ware is a resident of Northwest Roanoke and an attorney.
by CNB