“Governor Nixon creates Ferguson Commission to ‘strengthen region’”
This article
highlights, what I thought of as a very positive change to address the
socioeconomic issues revealed in the Ferguson community following the
killing of Michael Brown. Govener Nixon has planned
to create a Ferguson Commission to study these issues and aim towards
effectively addressing them. As many people are well aware of the
killing of Michael Brown is not the key issue in this community, his
death only sparked the many challenges surrounding
social injustice faced by African Americans all over the world.
Nixon’s goal is to
bring together a commission of 15 members from “all walks of life.” The
members focus will be to serve their fellow Missouri citizens, when they
need them the most. The Ferguson Commission
would include, your everyday citizens, as well as empowered leaders in
business, education, public safety and faith communities. The commission
would be responsible for looking into socioeconomic factors; education,
population trends and other data to successfully
unveil the issues and implement positive change in the future. Governor
Nixon says the work of the commission will take time but ultimately
changes within our society will be made, and people will be angry and
their will be conflict as well as fear and distrust.
These emotions are expected considering the fact that change is not
easily accepted especially when things have been the same for so long.
What I valued most
about this article and Nixon’s effort to make a change, was his concern
with reaching the youth and getting their view on issues and hearing
their voices in the process of creating a more
united region.
However, some have
suggested that Governor Nixon’s action to strengthen the region is only a
way to “pacify” the African-American community if Wilson were not to be
indicted. Ferguson protestors are also
not too convinced by Nixon’s actions to bring about change within their
community. They question his motive and whose needs is he really
claiming to address. Some have even expressed that they are far from
hopeful.
I am not too
familiar with Governor Nixon’s ability to carry out the promises made,
so I cannot say that I understand the concerns of the Ferguson
protestors. However, I can say that if Nixon does put together
a commission and announce the names next month; I feel that he is
putting forth an effort to support the African-American community in
Ferguson, and we should try to be open minded to the idea.
Twylaa I'm so glad you posted this article. I was reading it the other night and had some of the same thoughts. As I was reading I thought in theory this is GREAT! Lets get everyone involved and I really respected including the youth in this initiative. I also appreciated that Gov. Nixon recognized that there will be conflict, fear and distrust. I understand that some individuals feel less than hopeful with this plan. I agree with Twylaa that I hope this committee is created expeditiously but with careful thought. I guess time will tell but hopefully these are not just words but actions that can be reported back to the public. I know that time is needed to have a solid plan and implementation but I think it would behoove this program to keep the public informed to show progress. If this is done then in turn it may help alleviate some concerns and begin the road to better communication.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great article. I agree with Twylaa about Nixon putting forth an effort, and although here will be conflict and distrust that people should be open minded to this idea. I like that the article said they are looking for a formal and informal way to get the youth to get their voices heard and make the region better. I think a lot of the time youth do not necessarily want to join such formal committees, but would voice their opinions in an informal way. I thought that was a good point to bring up in this article.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am a little more skeptic about Gov. Nixon's motives. Why has it taken this long for him to come up with this suggestion? It seems like it might be just a way to pacify the community, and make it look like he is doing something, and something to soften the blow of Darren Wilson possibly not being indicted. I like what Ashley, one of the protestors tweeted, “The audacity of Jay Nixon to convene a commission to tell him what the people, his constituents, have been saying for 70 days.” I do think that there is merit in appointing a committee, however, but I don’t think that socioeconomic issues are the only issues that need to be addressed by the committee which will “study and address the socioeconomic issues underlying the unrest.” Holly, would you consider giving us extra credit for a list of our “dream team” for this committee and a sentence or 2 why we listed each person?
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea that is being presented about the commission and think that this would be helpful not only in Ferguson but in other areas of St. Louis. I understand the distrust that people have but I feel that this is a step in the right direction. Regardless what the motives are for Gov. Nixon if the right people are chosen for the commission then something good will come out of it. I am curious as to how the commission members are going to be chosen though. I am also curious as to how many residents will apply for this. This would be a great opportunity for those who feel they are not being heard or that this is a ploy to become involved in a positive way to facilitate change and discussion. The idea that there will be open and honest conversations about race and the disparities that have been seen between blacks and whites is optimistic for the future.
ReplyDeleteSomething they have kept saying over and over again as I have attended rallies and protests is that we (those trying to make effective change and advocate for the community of Ferguson) must, "ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE." It seems important to me then, as people who may be upset about the death of Mike Brown and the way the black community is treated, that we acknowledge the effort of Nixon being made. Yes, there are those who have been saying things for the last 70 days and the governor needs to listen to the people, but my hope is that this new board will look like and be a small sample of those people, to speak on their behalf in an organized way and make effective change. I also think it probably goes without saying that no matter how positive this new move made may be, it certainly should not be the last effort in the right direction. There's still much more work to be done. Great article Twylaa.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good read Twylaa and your analysis of it had tons of substance. I hope that Governor Nixon does successfully organize this for the sake of the community. I have went to a couple of Ferguson's City Council meetings and it has also been mentioned that the young black community are the angriest. For the sake of them I hope that their voices are heard and positive action is implemented to bring the community together.
ReplyDeleteGreat read Twylaa. Fashon I agree with you. I firmly believe more interaction needs to be done with the youth. Many people believe what has happened in Ferguson to be a race issue. While that is partially true, it is hugely an age issue too. I've heard countless people talk about how bad the youth are, they're the problem etc. Ageism and racism are both bad, even worse when it is a combination of the two. There is a group called the Ferguson Youth Initiative, which Gail talked about during our visit to the Corner Coffee House. I wonder if Nixon could implement more programs like this? Part of me feels like he is just saying these things to reassure people, but I'm not so sure they will ever be put into place.
ReplyDelete