A couple of weeks ago Pitt released a report that stated emphatically that the plight of Black citizens of Pittsburgh were just as deplorable in 2015 as they were in 1990—25 years ago. It is my belief that it has not changed for the better since 1965—50 years ago. These unacceptable conditions will never change until we have the audacity to be strong.
PennDOT awarded an $800 million contract to a group of persons to build and maintain bridges for the next 20 years. Will you and I receive an opportunity to share? In all probability the answer is no and will continue to be no until we demonstrate we have the audacity to be strong.
The City of Pittsburgh under the leadership of Mayor Bill Peduto wrote the position of MBE Director, formerly held by the late Phil Petite, out of the budget and there were no outcries from communities. These kind of disrespectful actions will continue until we have the audacity to be strong.
There are those who constantly state they would love to express to their bosses some changes that should be made, but their family responsibilities will not permit them. You must understand the importance of living out where there is a will there is a way. Yes, you must focus on have the audacity to be strong.
Everyday there are stories about the negatives that take place in the Black communities, but very limited discussions or focusing on solutions.
I served four years as the director of Allegheny County MBE Department and was provided with a window to see how the taxpayers’ money is spent on everything from toilet paper to stadiums and how Blacks were and are being excluded. It is my fervent conviction that if politicians like the governor, Allegheny County Executive and the mayor of Pittsburgh had the same concern about diversity as they do protecting the unions and contractors who fund their political campaigns there would be a miraculous change in Black communities because fathers could work thereby stabilizing the home. That change will never occur until you and I develop the audacity to be strong.
The time is now, when you look in the mirror are you able to say, “I have the audacity to be strong?”
The year is 2015 and the Kingsley Association needs your financial support.
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum page.)
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