Monroe Where is the Budget for Us!

On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, dozens gathered for Monroe's City Council meeting. There were several resolutions listed on the agenda that were approved, including $800,000 for the zoo parking lot remodel with ease. Still, there were some that focused directly on the Black community and our youth that were not. A group of young men who serve and lead over 700 youth in our city appeared before the council, pleading for financial support on behalf of the impoverished youth. The young men, parents, and supporting community showed up to advocate for their program, asking city officials why there was no funding available to contribute to the organization's youth program. Some city council members pledged their own funds and discretionary funds to the group programming and asked the city to support by allocating funds to the program. City representatives told attendees they would discuss this with the group in January, though this is not the first time the group has come to the city for support. Most feel that if the city could approve $25,000 for an aviation show, the city could contribute money to the impoverished youth of the area, but more conversations were necessary. Why must we still beg and plead for what should be given? We are at the year-end of 2021 in a predominantly Black city, still asking for a piece of a pie that should be shared without reservation. Are we being overlooked and hurried away because those in charge don't care about our youth? Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been hot topics, yet no solutions have been rendered. The city has funds to allocate to the Black community and support programs such as the Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) and the Black Chamber of Commerce, but it is not making it into the hands that need it most. So, where is the funding going? Why are conversations to improve the lives of Blacks always brushed off? After all these years, why is there not a dedicated source of income allocated to our youth to fund programs such as the Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) who mentors over 700 youth? Where is the financial support for the Black Chamber of Commerce that empowers Black businesses and the community? During the December 14, 2021 council meeting, I addressed the council, making it known that we will continue to talk until we see real change. We will speak at city hall, in the community, in newspapers, on social media, and more. We will be the squeaky wheel until we get our oil. We are not asking to be treated as equal, but we are asking to be treated equitably. To the mayor of our city, why must we stand here in 2021 asking for acknowledgment, inclusion, or equity? Are we only allowed to partake in what we are invited to or given? We need a detailed budget from our city leader that will clearly list the allocation of funding, and that budget needs to include more significant funding for the Black community. The city has funds that can help us become a better community and city. We need and deserve that funding. Our youth deserve better, our communities deserve better, and our city deserves better. We cannot move forward as one city without diversity, inclusion, and equity being implemented into the city budget for the Black community.