A Message from EJDevCo’s CEO: George Floyd & Recent Protests
In April 1963, my grandfather Rev Jesse J. Russell Sr. led The First 14 to vote in Holmes County, Mississippi and was met with great opposition. Antagonized by the local sheriff, he saw several of his churches firebombed, friends murdered at the hands of white policemen, and threats waged against his own family. Yet, despite all of this opposition, he continued to fight for a just and fair country and put his own life at risk in order to do so. He, along with this picture serves as a constant reminder to me that the work we do is not just about us, but about those who experience injustice on a daily basis and deserve a fair and just country.
I wish I could say that I was shocked by the recent news that has continued to keep America’s issues of race and inequity at the forefront of our news, social media, and now places of public gathering and protest all across this country. But yet, here we are more than half a century removed from the issues that plagued my grandparents and parent’s generation to still facing the same issues of race and inequity. The senseless death and killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor in just the last 90 days has resulted in justifiable anger, outrage, and protest. People are understandably angry, hurt, conflicted, and confused over the emotions that they are feeling right now.
I fear that those who reacted violently during this weekend’s events out of passion and anger will continue to allow their voices to be heard in such a way. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. once told us that "a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? ... It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity."
America is systemically and fundamentally broken. And while I condemn acts of violence and vandalism against property and businesses, I also understand that these things can be replaced and rebuilt. What cannot be replaced are the countless black lives that have been lost to acts of hatred, racism, and unjust behaviors. On the same day in which George Floyd was killed, a black man in New York City's famed Central Park was threatened by Amy Cooper, a white woman willing to play on the frailty of policing with people of color. Failing to address these issues and ensuring that all people have access to the same liberties without the fear or threat of violence and loss of life is in direct opposition to the types of inclusive neighborhoods that EJDevCo and our community thrives to see.
In the days to come, I hope to continue to listen. I hope to understand from community members your concerns about how we continue to develop our neighborhoods in a way that is inclusive for all people, but more importantly values black lives and does not displace Detroiters. As we continue to evolve the Jefferson Chalmers Mainstreet Masterplan, I look forward to continuing to hear your concerns and feedback on how this plan will continue to provide opportunities for all Detroiters and produce an inclusive neighborhood that prioritizes local hiring with higher wages, affordable housing, and safe spaces that reflect the people who live in our community. I commit to continuing our monthly community engagements in order to facilitate safe places for dialogue and understanding. Until this can happen again in-person, we will continue to facilitate them virtually. I encourage helpful dialogue and would ask that my colleagues who may not be directly impacted by race in America, take a moment to understand their own biases and privilege. I encourage everyone to DO MORE to promote antiracism. Below, I offer some resources that may help you in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Derric Scott
CEO, East Jefferson Development Corporation
C: 313.314.2674
dscott@jeffersoneast.org
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Recent Resources:
The Death of George Floyd in Context - New Yorker
“Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi | Atlantic (May 12, 2020)
AntiRacist Reading List - NYT
“America’s Racial Contract Is Killing Us” by Adam Serwer | Atlantic (May 8, 2020)
White Fragility, That Prevents White Americans from Confronting Racism
How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Antiracist kids - Common Sense Media
