Letter to the Editor

Community needs new priorities

Monday, August 24, 2015

To the Editor:

The criminal justice system has a disparate impact on the African American community. If we would provide real jobs for the Community of Blytheville we would not have to arrest 70 people for the distribution of drugs to make a living. Currently, the State of Arkansas has over 60 open positions relating to the Department of Corrections while only seven positions are open with the Department of Education. Politicians and other city officials are advocating for more prisons, particularly in communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and underperforming schools. Are these the jobs that we really want? Where are our priorities? Where is our support for education in our community?

Our ancestors were prevented an education because slave owners knew its power. Our ancestors secretly educated one another because they knew it was THE way out of slavery. We must not take education for granted. We cannot fall behind, from the progress that has already been made. We need to educate ourselves, our families, and our communities.

I am a product of the Blytheville Community and recognize that it can be done.

Travis Adams

Fayetteville, Ark.