By Rodrick Burton

‘PEACE’ from cover

our efforts must have the same amount of positive reach,” states Casey of the unrests surrounding Michael Brown’s death in 2014.

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones stated at the event, “I am excited, overwhelmed and grateful. On behalf of all the citizens of Ferguson, we thank you Dr. Casey for selecting Ferguson to plant this awesome Peace Pole. May peace prevail on earth, but I’m going to change it a little bit – may peace prevail here in Ferguson.”

Jones further stated that if Public Works agrees, the peace pole will be planted near Church Street and South Florissant. Sources state that the approval is a government process. The resolution will be voted on during the next monthly council meeting. The installation date is to be announced.

To learn more about the Peace Pole project visit https:// www.worldpeace.org/peacepoleproject/.

Submitted photos

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones speaks during the live online global broadcast of the Caravan of Unity during its stop in St. Louis on Sept. 10.

Marty K. Casey (left) holds the Peace Pole while Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones speaks during the live online global broadcast of the Caravan of Unity during its stop in St. Louis on Sept. 10.

COMMUNITY VOICES

No excuses for apathy

This year of 2020 – with the COVID-19 global pandemic, prominent and persistent calls for police reform and racial justice and elections – is a time for great action. No matter your political leanings, just an objective look at our communities with our disconnection, our discord, our responding to COVID infections and death, our rising crime rates, economic decline, environmental disaster ongoing at Coldwater Creek, our youth crying for racial justice and equity; and anyone can see there is much to do. So where do you start?

On the issue of environmental justice there are groups such as Just Moms STL, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, and the Sierra Club of Eastern Missouri who are fighting to make sure that the Coldwater Creek gets free of radioactive waste seeping from the Westlake Landfill.

The issue of crime prevention goes hand in hand with racial equity. The known documented educational disparities in the 63136 zip code is a direct feeder to our juvenile justice system and too often then the

By Rodrick Burton

adult criminal justice system.

Here is what can be done today: you can call the United Way, the clearing house and repository for most nonprofits in the metro area and demand that they intentionally surge nonprofit resources into the 63136- zip code area. Let them know the success of the 2020 capital campaign will depend on their action.

Chris Krehmeyer of the successful nonprofit Beyond Housing, accurately stated, “St. Louis is not short on resources, but short on coordination.”

Demand that our county officials and the nonprofit community coordinate efforts to areas that are most distress. This action will prevent crime, stabilize underserved communities and allow for growth.

When the discussion of policing comes up many will refuse to participate in the discussion when it is stated policing is affected by institutional racism. However, the video of George Floyd’s killing unequivocally demonstrated the need to address a policing problem. So, demand that our local, state and federal leaders universally ban choke holds and create a national database to identify “bad apples” officers so that they cannot be recycled to other communities. This database would ensure that individual cops will not harm any community.

Finally, you can act by voting, not just in presidential elections but every election. There is no excuse for not taking action to make our communities better.

Rodrick Burton is the pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, the Ecumenical Leadership Council, St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence (SIRV), Voices for Early Childcare Programs and a field education mentor at Covenant Theological Seminary.

The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.