My Day: Hierarchy Hijacking of South Dallas – Part I

My Day
By Dr. J. Ester Davis

Let’s cut through the chase.  This is not about what someone else has done to the citizens of South Dallas, the landowners or stakeholders of color.  This is about one rape of a race and where the blame should rest. Black-on-black favoritism is as tragic as black-on-black crime.  Both ways we all lose.

I place the “rape-of-a-race” in two categories.  The vote certainly is upfront and foremost, no argument there. But we must face the possible absolute fact that our progress/regress is a direct decendent of our disrespect for each other and our voting loyalty to people that look/ act like they are texting and driving.

The Regional Black Contractors Association opened their doors several months ago.  The open house was welcomed by all with congratulations, food, spacious offices, wide grins, slaps on the back, visitors and an avalanche of fancy speeches.  The stage was all set for a season to come to the side of town where the African Americans lived.  For plus twenty(20)years, make readiness in the community has been with high expectations. After all the Trinity River Project is the largest public works design in the country.  Carolyn Davis, former Dallas City Council, opened a job bank years ago, in anticipation of the southern sector readiness.  Skilled jobs, dignity, respect, tree lined streets, opportunity, finally the triumph of the human spirit for a section of Dallas that has been the tax base for growth in the other parts of the city for decades.

Mr. John Proctor, Chair, and the Regional Black Contractors Association (BCA) did not receive due process in this process.  Despite endless meetings, luncheons, with the proper authorities, being bondable, insured, qualified, the lion share of the construction, which equates to dollars, was awarded to major white entities.

Now, I have heard all of the comments, but this is not all old news.   Around the country, according to my research, black politicians have united, making a difference in the lives of their constituencies. Most alarming is that there is not one successful MBE/ DBE in the country.  Oh, sure, there are ceremonies, with press, where big awards are given out by well dressed people, and recipients with wonderful words of acceptance,  but no big contracts to African Americans.  Why aren’t the MBE/DBE’s working?  Where do the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the numerous black organizations that boast longevity in 100 cities stand?  The reason is largely due to there being no enforcement in the programs. The questions persist however, then. .  how did Marion Barry, Maynard Jackson, Carl Stokes and countless others get insurmountable things done in their cities?   Next Week:  Part II

Ester Davis, CommunityHost, can be reached at 214.376.9000.  Keep those ‘essential(e)voices’ coming.

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