In the current year 2014, there are those throughout Allegheny County who possess the identical mindset of other segments of the world in implementating land confiscation. Let us never forget the history of those who took American land from the Native American Indians, lands in Africa and India, and then in cities such as Pittsburgh, calling it Urban Renewal–when in effect it was Negro Removal.
Since the Hill District was adjacent to Downtown [third ward] the demolition started there. This was our introduction to land banking, as acres of land lay vacant for 33 years. White developers surfaced and after confrontation from the citizens, White contractors reluctantly shared some of the contracts with Blacks. Upon completion it now is known as Crawford Square. Too many Blacks who were involved truly believed that whatever the outcome it would be far better than what we had. Thereby, we as a community committed a number of mistakes because we did not really understand issues such as planning, development and a substantial number of other issues. Regretfully, the overwhelming majority still don’t.
There were several politicians who took up the fight against the mayor’s land bank bill, but Pittsburgh City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess became the catalyst to stop the land confiscation bill and to replace it with a Land Bank bill that afforded the citizens the opportunity to participate.
It was as if Rev. Burgess heeded the Master’s call when he said “feed my sheep.” The Reverend clearly understood that meant enlightening the people by helping them understand that they have every right to participate in the best use of the land.
I never heard Rev. Ricky Burgess more passionate than he was the night he spoke in Central Baptist Church to 700 people. There was the true presence of people power as the Reverend clarified for some, informed others and made it crystal clear to all in attendance that collectively we can make things happen that will effect positive change.
It was also a rewarding feeling to see Pittsburgh City Councilmen Daniel Lavelle and Rev. Ricky Burgess on the same page.
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(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum Page.)
