The Voice of Ida B Wells

Hmmm. The echoes of July 2022 councilwoman will help pay the citizens’ light bills? For three years she has held office, and in those three years has she paid one? For three years she has sat in silence — not a word raised in council, not a defense made for her people. And yet we are to believe she will now address grievances long ignored?

The only matter she has ever been heard to inquire about was not the plight of the people, but property — condemned property at that — which she sought to buy. Such conduct would seem an ethics violation, and yet it passed without scrutiny.

And what of the other two council persons of color? They, too, have turned their faces away when police matters were raised, when community concerns demanded attention. Time and again the citizens cried out — time and again they were met with silence.

We have watched this council sit mute while the mayor’s agenda passed without question. Not one challenge. Not one defense of the people. Meanwhile, Black neighborhoods see their homes condemned. Has anyone questioned the process? Has anyone examined how adjudicated property finds its way into the hands of council members’ families? We even heard in open meeting that the councilwoman herself called to ask if condemned property was for sale. If that is not corruption, what shall we call it?

Under this mayor’s leadership, the turnover in city government has been staggering. Has the council asked why? Or have they been bought off with promises and privileges that compromise both their ethics and their integrity? That is why the people must see through the slogan: “New Leadership for a Better Minden.” For what kind of leadership ignores truth, enables corruption, and betrays its own citizens?

I, Ida B. Wells, do not report without foundation. I speak only when armed with facts, and I assure you, names can be named if need be. What is unfortunate — no, what is tragic — is that the citizens of Minden are being bamboozled, misled, and sold into silence. But truth will not sleep forever. It will rise. And when it does, no office, no oath, no slogan will shield those who betrayed their duty.

This is truth. bold, relentless, and eternal — shall make the citizens of Minden free.

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