The Voice of Ida B Wells

The people of Minden must learn to look beyond slogans and smiling faces, for behind the curtain of “progress” there often sits a hand pulling strings in plain sight.

Now we are told there is a new candidate for police chief—yet this is no ordinary candidate. This man is the brother-in-law of a sitting council member. And the citizens should not be naïve enough to believe that family ties in government come without influence.

Let us speak plainly.

This same individual has sued the city not once, but multiple times. He has been fired—yet returned. And now, with history trailing behind him like a shadow, he steps forward as though he is entitled to the position meant to protect and serve the public.

So I ask what any thinking citizen should ask:

Who gave him the courage to run?

Who assured him that the door would be opened for him—no matter his record, no matter the conflicts, no matter the questions?

Was it the same voice whispering behind the scenes, the one posing as a savior of Minden under the banner of “making Minden great again”?

Or is it the same power responsible for pushing the “colored” people out of the utilities office until the halls of employment look less like fairness and more like a calculated cleansing?

These are not accidents. These are patterns.

And patterns do not form without intention.

The people have been trained to dismiss their instincts, to silence their doubts, and to accept “business as usual” even when business is anything but honest.

But a town cannot be made great by removing its Black citizens from positions of visibility, dignity, and authority. A town cannot claim justice while placing power in the hands of those protected by bloodline and backroom deals.

These are the things that make a wise mind wonder—

and a brave heart speak.

So I say to Minden:

Watch closely. Ask questions. Demand answers.

Because what is happening is not simply politics—

it is power moving in darkness.

Minden, please stay woke.