When I first heard about this past Wednesday’s shooting on Gold Street in Shelby, my first thought was “here we go again, nothing will be done and this will just blow over.” Besides, I don’t live in Shelby, can’t vote Shelby’s phony leadership out and if Shelby people, black and white, don’t care; Why should I care? And then I remembered that part of my email distribution that says: “An injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere!”
Then, I received a copy of Willie Green’s email to the Shelby City Council, Mayor, City Council and leaders in the Black Community and thought this was worth passing along. Willie tells it like it is. That things don’t have to be like they are. It reminded me of me. So, folks, especially you folks in Shelby who CAN vote to make a change; Mr. Willie Green’s Email message is provided below. YOU can make a difference, so, MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! Run for office against the do-nothings. Those that can’t run for office, vote FOR the new blood that does run for office.
Here is Mr. Willie Green’s email message.
From: Willie Green
To: Shelby City Council, Black Community Leadership, Robert A. Williams and others
Subject: Another teen shooting in Shelby, no other city in Cleveland County, just Shelby.
The Shelby Star article.
This is an election year for the 3 City Council Members (Webber, Dukes, and Hendrick), they need to be all voted out of office. New leadership is needed to address the problems within the minority community and better ways to help our young brothers and sisters. No council member (even the black council members) have said anything about the continuing violence and shootings taking place with our young adults in the “City of Pleasant Living.”No words, no solutions, and no care. But the city is spending millions of dollars on a hiking trail. Prove me wrong, show me the evidence of any of the council members or the mayor who is doing anything to address the problems in Shelby. Where are our black leaders, why are you silent? You raised hell over the Confederate flag, but you remain silent on the destruction of our young black kids and our community.
Remember in 2013 when NFL Player and Shelby native Brandon Spikes were criticized when he called Shelby a “jungle” and was glad he escaped. Spikes’ perspective is of “someone who grew up in a neighborhood where shootings, stabbings, and drugs were commonplace. And homes where hope was nonexistent. Your only real hope is to get out.” Was Brandon right in his assessment of Shelby?
“Not having effective leadership in place to encourage and “capture” growth opportunities.” City of Shelby 2017 Economic Development Strategic Plan on the THREATS in Shelby. Not my words, the City’s own economic impact study words.
You did not want my help or my programs, that I wanted to do to help the kids in the community. So. who now will step up and do the job before more teens are involved in criminal activities and killed?
Willie A. Green, Sr.
Editor’s Note: Fact Check.
Mr. Green’s quote regarding the City of Shelby’s 2017 Economic Development Strategic Plan (SWOT Analysis) noted above is correct.
