The Voice of Ida B Wells

Mr. and Mrs. Minden, huh?

Now, Mama Ida, has said do not be distracted by titles, handshakes, photographs, or invitations. I’ve taught yall to follow the power, ask the questions, and examine who benefits.

In a small town, access can speak louder than words. When certain people seem to have unusual influence, unusual freedom, and unusual access to City Hall, citizens have every right to ask: How did that relationship develop, and whose interests are being served?

Pay attention.

Events are suddenly being held for the Black community. Roles that appear to overlap with work normally associated with Main Street or other city functions are being taken on, yet there seems to be little public concern from the mayor’s office.

And that raises a bigger question: Is this genuine community empowerment, or is someone being positioned as the acceptable Black face of an administration?

Django gave us a fictional character named Stephen who became a powerful symbol—not simply because of who he served, but because he helped protect a system that did not serve people who looked like him. That is why the comparison should make us think rather than simply make us angry.

Black visibility is not automatically Black representation.

Being close to power does not mean you are challenging power.
Being invited into the room does not mean you are speaking for the people outside of it.

So don’t just watch the events. Watch the relationships. Watch the access. Watch the decisions. Watch where the money goes. Watch who gets opportunities—and who suddenly becomes silent when accountability is required.

The question isn’t, “Who gets to rub elbows with the mayor?”

The question is: What are you doing with that access for the people of Minden?

Because public influence should never require personal loyalty to one politician.

Stay awake, Minden. Ask questions. Follow the public record. And never confuse proximity to power with power for the people.
Mr. and Mrs. Minden, huh?