St. Louis County has many problems, and politics have long been at the center of preventing meaningful solutions. At the same time, many of the decisions made by those in power reflect exactly why we continue to face these problems.
St. Louis has always reflected America and the racism that exists in this country. From the Dred Scott case being decided here, to Pruitt-Igoe chemical warfare and the harms inflicted under the guise of policy and experimentation, to more recently, the murder of Mike Brown. St. Louis demonstrated a level of protest that became an example for cities around the world when George Floyd was murdered nearly six years later.
Still, St. Louis has yet to fully embrace the idea that we can lead historical change by healing the harms of racism. Racism continues to show itself as the fruit of our government’s trees, burdening our ability to grow and develop.
A few months ago, my sister and colleague in reparative justice work, Precious Jones of Breaking Generational Poverty, asked me to show up and speak to the St. Louis County Council regarding the release of funds—$1.7 million, to be exact—that have sat allocated by the Executive Office for over a year.
We have spoken to the council several times. More often than not, I have noticed the way the three Republican members look at us with blank stares, knowing all they have to do is wait for me to stop speaking and leave. Their lives are not affected by the gun violence taking place in areas they do not serve.
Then there are the two members who represent the areas where the majority of the violence occurs. I know this is tied to a much larger geopolitical strategy—one that creates scarcity and hopelessness in Black communities. Yet, in those meetings these two serve as the guard dogs to keep us believing that this is about putting proper processes and measurements in place and not politics.
This meeting was different. Precious organized for more people to show up in support of passing Bill 86. At the same time, two other issues had become increasingly urgent.
Several speakers came to address Bill 72, highlighting concerns that funding for medical care for inmates—both juvenile and adult—will not be adequate by the end of this month. Others came because of structural disputes within the county’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) office. Protections are being weakened in ways that threaten support systems still desperately needed to sustain diverse business growth.
One gentleman I often see also spoke about public transportation. Once again, those impacted most are Black communities and lower-income communities.
These are not coincidences. They reflect an obvious systemic design.
I was glad to see how many people showed up, and I hope that number continues to grow. We rattled them. We disrupted their comfort. And we shared a deep appreciation for each other who came and spoke on these issues. This is how stronger community is built.
Community is short for common unity. Humanity is rooted in human unity.
This is what we need.
As we take unity into our own hands and build communities grounded in humanity, we will figure out how to create elections that reflect true public service.
This board is not how St. Louis deserves to be served. It is a symptom of a deeper illness—an addiction to individual power and political misrepresentation that keeps the public confused, disengaged, and powerless, always waiting and hoping for change.
We, the people, are changing.
It may not show up in the news. It may not feel that way when we go to the store. But talk to people. Show up to community events. Get involved. Encourage others to do the same.
Let’s create a new way of treating each other. In truth, it is an old way—one we can still learn from by studying Indigenous and Aboriginal cultures.
Humanity stands in opposition to the individual power structures colonialism has used to create and sustain racism.
As a less melanated man, I support the strengthening of Black communities because their example—when not burdened by oppressive systems—shows me that humanity is achievable.
