RFP Staff

♦ Sadly it was another disappointing year as far as the all important letter grades assigned all four of Salisbury’s schools.  These letter grades are examined by parents concerned with their youngster’s education–parents who might consider having their children attending or even leaving a school.  These letter grades inform potential businesses who might want to locate to a city if that city’s schools are either excellent or substandard.  Real estate relocation specialists will go to these school letter grades to judge the merits or demerits of the local schools and see what they have to offer.  Ds and Fs frankly are powerful turnoffs just like dreadful uniform FBI crimes statistics, household income, blight, high taxes, and so forth. Badly performing schools can kill economic development in an area.  Websites that rate cities go by these all important letter grades.  Ds and Fs can lower a city’s ratings.

While its nice to see positive growth scores in schools, they are meaningless to concerned parents, potential businesses looking to relocate, real estate relocation specialists, and websites that rate cities.

Disappointingly factors like crime within the schools, drug abuse, and bad behavior are not factored into the letter grade. The letter grade is all important.  No amount of shrill administrative voices attempting to save their jobs will convince most discerning individuals that letter grades are unimportant.

The 2015-2016 All Important Letter Grades for Salisbury’s Four Schools:

Salisbury High School D

Knox Middle School D

Isenburg Elementary D

Overton Elementary D

A: 85-100 points
B: 70-84 points
C: 55-69 points
D: 40-54 points
F: Less than 40 points

2015-16 RSSS School Performance Grade, School Performance Score and Growth Status

RFP Staff

♦ According to Salisbury Police sources Andrew Richard Canup, 62, the alleged “Brick Street Blaster” said to fire a sawed off shotgun at a crowd of bystanders gathered by the Firehouse Brew Pit near Brick and Lee Streets last January, was arrested early Friday morning at Nashville Nights on 127 East Innes where he was known to frequent. On Thursday Canup was alleged to have stopped by the home of a witness on the 800 block of S. Jackson Street and hollered: “See you in court if you last that long.” Canup’s alleged threat was said to have been recorded on an audio device. Bad luck and trouble.

Friday Canup was charged with intimidating or interfering with witnesses (felony) and assault inflicting serious injury (misdemeanor). Under a secured $6,0000 bond, Canup is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.

From a RFP article on January 29th 2016: “Man Allegedly Blasts Sawed Off Shotgun from a Truck Driving by the Firehouse Brew Pit in Salisbury N.C. Arrested on Long Street”:

Several gentlemen hanging outside Firehouse Brew Pit on Lee Street at 3 a.m. Friday were startled when red pick-up truck rolled by and the driver allegedly fired a blast from the window. A “what the H kinda moment” when your ears stop ringing. No real surprise in Salisbury where a window gets shot out in Waffle House and the bullet mysteriously disappears from the premises.

A Salisbury Policeman responded quickly to the call to the corner of East Fisher and Lee Streets and adroitly turned his vehicle around before catching the red pick-up truck at Monroe and Long Street where it pulled over. The driver Andrew Richard Canup, 62, of the 600 block of Rowan Mill Road in the Salisbury area at first allegedly denied having a firearm, would not provide his name, and would not allow officers to search his truck. One of the officers on the scene noted a sawed off shotgun partially hidden beneath a blanket. Officers also located a rifle on the backseat floorboard. The hammer was cocked.

Both firearms showed signs of recently being fired.

Canup was handcuffed and loaded into the rear of the patrol car. He was charged with weapon-illegal discharge (misdemeanor) and possession/manufacture of a weapon of mass destruction (felony).

The city forbids firing a weapon within the city limits and a shotgun becomes sawed off and a “weapon of mass destruction” when it is less than 16 inches in length. Canup’s alleged shotgun was 13 5/8 inches in length.

Canup provided no reason for allegedly discharging the shotgun. No one was reported injured in the area.

It was unknown at this time if Canup had any immediate plans for dining at the Waffle House on East Innes.

Andrew Canup’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0065141&searchLastName=canup&searchFirstName=andrew&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

The Firehouse Brew Pit:

**This article will be updated as more information becomes available.**

RFP Staff

♦ Salisbury Police Department sources report an attempted burglary Thursday at 4:18 a.m. at Pistol Pop’s Firearms, Salisbury’s leading firearms and ammo dealer, on 3018 S. Main Street.  Burglars attempted a forcible entry through an exterior and tried their luck by taking a tool to a sturdy rear door.  Finally they triggered an alarm when they removed an electric meter.  Apparently frustrated by Pistol Pop’s fortified structure the burglars fled the area before officers arrived.  In their wake the burglars caused an estimated $650 damage to exterior walls, storm doors, and electrical meters.  Be thankful that Pistol Pop’s Firearms took precautions to secure their building or Salisbury’s ill-intentioned might’ve acquired an armory filled with rifles, pistols, and stacks of assorted ammo.

Scarred rear door of Pistol Pop’s Firearms:

Failed Rear Wall Entry:

Pistol Pop’s Firearms outstanding arsenal on display:

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

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Public Announcement

♦ Salisbury Gun & Knife Show September 10th to 11th:

RFP Staff

♦  According to Salisbury Police sources James Theodore Richardson, 29, of the 300 block of Barbour Street in Salisbury, was a victim of an assault with a gun by Vogue Cleaners on the 100 block of North Long Street near East Council on Thursday at 4:23 a.m.  A man pointed a firearm at Richardson and threatened him before leaving the area.  No injuries occurred.

At this time no arrests or suspects have been named.

The intersection of North Long and East Council Streets in Salisbury, N.C.

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

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♦ Sources in the Salisbury Police Department report that Joshua Ryan Overman, 21, of 5th Street in Spencer, was the victim of a strong arm robbery in the parking lot of the B.P./Rushco/McDonalds complex at 601 W. Jake Alexander Boulevard Thursday at 1:51 a.m. Overman was overpowered by a male robber and relieved of his wallet, ID, and credit card valued at $30. No injuries were reported.

601 W. Jake Alexander Boulevard in Salisbury, N.C.:

No suspects named or arrests made.

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ MISSING: Silver Alert for Steven Franklin Sigmund, 61, of Rowan County, N.C.:

Steven Franklin Sigmund:

According to Rowan County Sheriff’s Office sources Mr. Sigmund allegedly suffers from some form of cognitive impairment and was last seen on Walt Corriher Road in China Grove.

Mr. Sigmund’s description: Height 5’10. Age 61. Medium length brown hair and brown eyes. Was wearing a dark blue rain coat, blue jeans, brown loafers, and a black helmet.

Mr. Sigmund’s motor scooter: Blue Jonway scooter with N.C. License plate MA20303.

Persons with information about Steven Franklin Sigmund’s whereabouts are requested to call Deputy C.K. Yungo at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 216-8500.

RFP Staff

♦ Rowan County Commission Meeting at 3 P.M. on Tuesday September 6th at 130 West Innes Street in Salisbury, N.C.:

ROWAN COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA

Call to Order
Invocation
• Provided By: Chaplain Michael Taylor Pledge of Allegiance
Consider Additions to the Agenda
Consider Deletions From the Agenda
Consider Approval of the Agenda
Board members are asked to voluntarily inform the Board if any matter on the agenda
might present a conflict of interest or might require the member to be excused from
voting.

• Consider Approval of the August 15, 2016 Minutes
1 Consider Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Proclamation for National Preparedness Month
B. Proclamation for Patriot Day
C. Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for Sheriff’s Office
D. One Church One Child Grant Request
E. Set Quasi-judicial Hearing for CUP 07-16 for September 19, 2016
F. Set Quasi-judicial Hearing for PCUR 04-16 for September 19th, 2016
G. Purchase Vehicles for Sheriff’s Office
H. Purchase Six Vans for Rowan Transit System
I. Talbert, Bright and Ellington Work Authorization For Rehabilitation of the
North Ramp and Proposed Ramp Expansion In Front Of The New Hangar
J. Revised Event Center Rental Contract and Policy
K. Allow County Employees Time Off With Pay To Participate In United Way
Day of Caring
2 Public Comment Period
3 Public Hearing for Z 09-16
4 Public Hearing for ZTA 01-16 & STA 02-16
5 Public Hearing for Z 07-16; Murph
6 Public Hearing for Z 08-16
7 Subdivision Considerations for Ervin Woods
8 Request to Apply for State Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan
9 Presentation of Parks Master Plan
10 Activities Update – RowanWORKS
11 Request for Public Hearing – Project F2
12 Proposed Text Amendments to Animal Ordinance
13 Consider Request To Lower Adoption Fees For Shelter Animals For Specific Animals
For Specific Public Events
14 Consider Offer to Purchase County-Owned Property Located At 1236 West Innes
Street
15 Consider Approval of Board Appointments
16 Adjournment

Complete Agenda and Information PDF:

http://agenda.rowancountync.gov/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MeetingID=185

Citizens with disabilities requiring special needs to access the services or public meetings
of Rowan County Government should contact the County Manager’s Office three days prior
to the meeting by calling (704) 216-8180.

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ Several times a week, I ride through the various neighborhoods to assess the conditions and talk to random residents that are out and about.

This morning, I visited the Jersey City Community and followed it up with a driving tour of the West End. Since I grew up on the West End and still have family and friends there, I tend to spend more time there.

I rode the entire area this morning paying close attention to the overall blighted condition. What I noticed was the number of boarded up homes, seeming abandoned property, abandoned equipment, appliances in front yards, overgrowth, discarded furniture in front of homes, buildings in disrepair, trash dumped on the street curb and an abundance of empty lots.

This was disheartening to see. I’ve been in two Community meeting in the last month where residents pleaded with City officials for assistance.

Whether it’s absentee landlords, City or homeowner negligence or lack of resources, this has to improve.

Photo Gallery: The Salisbury West End Blight Tour 2016:

RFP Staff

♦ Sources in the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office report that a burglary-forcible entry took place early Friday afternoon at the home of Ruben Salaman on the 200 block of Spring Oak Drive in Salisbury.  Mr. Salaman came home to discover his home was burglarized and a number of expensive tools were removed. A black Chevrolet Cruse Lt was stolen as well.  Stolen tools include a propane tank, hose, oxygen tank, toolbox, and welding machine.  The tools were valued at $5,300.  The Chevrolet Cruse Lt. was later located and returned to Mr. Salaman.  It sustained $100 in damage.

The 200 block of Spring Oak Drive in Salisbury:

At this time no arrests have been made. This burglary remains under investigation.

If you have any information about this crime please call the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ In the wide area where the U-boats of petty crime (muggers, car B and E artists, and purse snatchers) prowl after nightfall in Salisbury, sources in the Salisbury Police report that Draco Lashawn Owens, 22, of Reid Avenue in Charlotte, was victimized by a strong arm robbery in Zaxby’s parking lot on Sunday at 12:37 a.m.  Mr. Owens gave up a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at $200 and $20 in cash to his assailant. No injuries were reported during the confrontation.  No description of the robber available.

301 Faith Road in Salisbury, N.C.:

At this time no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made.

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

September 6, 2016 5:00 p.m.

1. Invocation to be given by Councilmember Miller. 2. Call to order. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Recognition of visitors present.
5. Council to recognize Ms. Janie Allen for her outstanding contributions to bring art to the City and her preservation efforts for the Salisbury Mural.
6. Council to consider the CONSENT AGENDA:
(a) Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 16, 2016.
7. Council to authorize issuing Retiring Master Police Officer Lynn Foster his sidearm and badge.
8. Council to receive a presentation from staff regarding the Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grant Program.
9. Council to consider a Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grant for up to $75,000 for the Morgan Ridge Brewery and Rail Walk Eatery located at 421 North Lee Street:
(a) Receive a presentation from staff (b) Hold a public hearing (c) Approve a Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grant for up to $75,000 for the Morgan Ridge Brewery and Rail Walk Eatery.
10. Council to consider a Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grant for up to $130,076 for the Washington Building upper floor rehabilitation project located at 118 North Main Street:
(a) Receive a presentation from staff (b) Hold a public hearing (c) Approve a Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grant for up to $130,076 for the Washington Building upper floor rehabilitation project.
11. Council to consider adopting a RESOLUTION to proceed with the sale of City-owned property to Habitiat for Humanity for $20,000 and accepting a donation of property from Habitat for Humanity.
12. Council to receive an update from staff regarding site options for the proposed Dog Park.

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – PAGE 2 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
13. Council to consider appointing additional members to the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.
14. Council to consider making appointments to various boards and commissions.
15. Council to receive public comment. Public comment will be opened at approximately 6:00 p.m. or at the end of the meeting, whichever comes first.
16. City Manager’s Comments.
17. Mayor’s Announcements.
(a) The next “Meet with the Manager” will be held Wednesday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the first floor conference room at City Hall, 217 South Main Street. This is an open office hour for citizens to share their ideas or concerns regarding City services with the City Manager.
(b) Salisbury Parks and Recreation Family Camp Out will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 until Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Salisbury Communtiy Park. The cost is $20 per tent for the first four people and $5 for each additional person. Limited tent rental is available. Pre-registration is required. For more information call 704-216PLAY.
(c) The Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department along with the Police and Fire Departments will host a Back In School Celebration Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Miller Recreation Center and Hall Gym. This free event is open to the public and will include games, music, and refreshments. Afterschool programs from the community and other City departments and services will also be represented. The public will have an opportunity to meet Police Chief Jerry Stokes.
(d) Salisbury Parks and Recreation will host the “Brown Bag Lunch Jam” concert series at Eastern Gateway Park every Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m. through September 28, 2016. Bring a lunch and enjoy some of Salisbury’s best local talent. This event is free and open to the public.
(e) Applications for the 2016-2017 Historic Preservation Incentive Grants are now available. These matching grants are available on a competitive basis for exterior projects on owner-occupied houses in the four residential local historic districts: North Main Street, Brooklyn South Square, West Square and Ellis Street Graded School. Applications are due by October 14, 2016. To receive an application or inquire about eligibility, please call 704-638-5324.
18. Council to go into closed session concerning an economic development matter as allowed by NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4).
19. Adjourn.
Council meetings are streamed live at http://www.salisburync.gov/webcast

Public Announcement

♦ Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, best known for her involvement in one of the largest direct action lawsuits in U.S. history, will speak November 7 at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C.

Her topic will be “Community Power: How We Can All Make a Difference in Creating a Healthier Planet.”

While working as a file clerk at a Los Angeles law firm in 1992, Brockovich uncovered documents that ultimately led to more than 600 residents of Hinkley, California, filing a lawsuit against utility giant PG&E. The $333 million settlement they received is the largest of its kind in the history of the United States.

The story of Brockovich’s life and involvement in the case was the subject of the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, which starred Julia Roberts in the title role.

In 2001 she published the book Take It from Me: Life’s a Struggle But You Can Win, which became a New York Times bestseller, and was the host of a Lifetime series called Final Justice with Erin Brockovich as well as the ABC special Challenge America with Erin Brockovich. She has also become an in-demand speaker, frequently traveling the international lecture circuit, and was one of the primary contributors to the 2012 documentary Last Call at the Oasis, an investigation into the impact of the depletion of the world’s water supply.

In the time since the Hinkley lawsuit that made her famous, Brockovich has continued to work as a consumer advocate and environmental activist. She has been involved in numerous successful lawsuits against environmental polluters as well as ongoing lawsuits involving automobiles, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. She is the president of Brockovich Research & Consulting and in partnership with Google curates a crowd-sourced map intended to track possible environmental health hazards around the world.

Her presentation, scheduled for 7 p.m., will be held in Keppel Auditorium of the Robertson College-Community Center on the Catawba campus. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. free and open to the public. To register, visit CenterForTheEnvironment.org or call 704-637-4791.

RFP Staff

♦ Video: Rowan County Commission Meeting at 3 P.M. on Tuesday September 6th:

http://rowancountync.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=598

RFP Staff

♦ The summer of 2016 was without respite from vandalism throughout the city of Salisbury, N.C.  Taking a back seat to shootings, unsolved murders, armed robberies, strong arm jobs, home invasions, burglaries, street beatings, and car break-ins, vandalism left a wake of broken windows, torched cars, gang tags, paint splattered walls, graffiti, and broken car window glass costly to businesses and residents alike.

Salisbury Police sources reported that Eddie Charles Gladden, 58, of 511 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury, was arrested Tuesday at 12:58 a.m for allegedly smashing a window with a “blunt object” (club, hammer etc.) at 508 Lafayette Circle.  The window was valued at $200.

The 500 block of Lafayette Circle in Salisbury:

Gladden was charged with vandalism to real property-willful and wanton injury (misdemeanor). Under a secured $500 bond, Gladden is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center. His next court date is on October 26th.

Eddie Charles Gladden:

Eddie Charles Gladden’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0490240&searchLastName=gladden&searchFirstName=eddie&searchMiddleName=c&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

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♦ According to Rowan County Sheriff’s Office sources Mary Ann Sumner, 51, of 313 Barbour Street, called 911 early Tuesday morning to report her window was vandalized by a air or gas powered projectile from a undetermined firearm.  While the deputies surveyed the damaged window, valued at $150, they noted what was allegedly stolen property.  A warrant was issued and soon Sumner was arrested.

Sumner was charged with obtaining property under false pretenses (felony). Under a secured $1,000 bond, Sumner was briefly held in the Rowan County Detention until she was released on bond.

Mary Ann Sumner’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0739258&searchLastName=Sumner&searchFirstName=mary&searchMiddleName=a&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

RFP Staff

♦ Armed robberies and strong arm robberies continue in Salisbury, a city under siege.  Early this morning, just after midnight, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office sources reported the arrest of Decarlo Derell Cherry, 20, a resident of Winston-Salem, for an alleged armed robbery and marijuana possession on Cook Out’s property at 801 East Innes Street.  Cook Out, is well known for their decent fast food and milkshakes and for being a late evening hangout for area teenagers.  Occasionally scuffles happen, guns get pulled, and strong arms occur out in the parking lot.  Someone gets “dissed” and it escalates.  Adolescents will be adolescents.  Last night Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies were nearby and made the arrest.

801 East Innes in Salisbury, N.C.:

Mr. Cherry was charged with robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons (felony), possession of controlled substance VI (misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor). Under a secured $10,000 bond, he was being held in the Rowan County Detention Center before he was released on bond.

Decarlo Derell Cherry:

No record of prior arrests in Forsyth or Rowan Counties for Mr. Cherry.

**This article will be updated as soon as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ Salisbury is a war zone tonight with two men shot in an exchange of gunfire occurring on the 600 block of E. Cemetery Street in the Park Avenue area.  Isiah Thomas Little, 18, of Salisbury and Preston Jaquad Dalton, 20, of Salisbury were reported wounded in their exchange of gunfire that occurred at 9:05 P.M.

The crime scene was reported as a single crime scene according to Captain Sheila Lingle of the Salisbury Police.  Both Little and Dalton were transported to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.  One by emergency vehicle and the other by helicopter. Their condition is not known at this time.

One of the wounded men fled the scene and got as far as East Franklin Street.

Captain Lingle told us, earlier in the evening, the shootings were in the early stages of investigation. No motives for the shooting were reported.

The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Salisbury Police in their investigation.

The E.R. room at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center was on lockdown and was only admitting patients and not visitors earlier in the evening. Police were called to the E.R. to provide extra security.

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center E.R. on lockdown Wednesday night in Salisbury, N.C.

The Crime Scene on the 600 Block of East Cemetery Street in Salisbury, N.C.:

Crime scene tape stretched across East Cemetery Street just ahead:

Map of the 600 block of East Cemetery Street in Salisbury:

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

**This article will be updated as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ Videos: 3 Citizens and Maggie Blackwell Speak Out Against Salisbury, N.C.’s Violence at Salisbury’s City Council Meeting on September 6th:

Citizen Caroline Logan on Violent Crime in Salisbury, NC:

Citizen Sue McHugh on Neighborhood Crime:

Citizen Greg Rapp on Salisbury, NC Crime and Shootings:

Maggie Blackwell, Mayor Pro Tem: on Violence, Retribution, and Personal Safety in Public Comments:

RFP Staff

Video: Economic Development Debate Gets Heated when as Councilman Kenny Hardin Asks for Actual Evidence:

Why isn’t Mayor Alexander in control of the meetings? Why does Miller keep rudely interrupting Councilman Kenny Hardin when he has the floor and asks for actual evidence?

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ After each incident of gun violence and another senseless murder, I’m often asked the question, “What is the answer?” The answers are easy, but we don’t want to hear them because the truth hurts. And, if it’s the truth, it should.

First, the Black community needs to accept and acknowledge we are failing our own community. We have stopped investing in our community and the young people in it. We’ve opted to chase a rainbow dream to the detriment of monochromatic loyalty, We act as though the Black community is beyond reproach and above being called out for our failures. If anyone in the community is constructively critical, they are labeled as an “Uncle Tom Sellout Nigger” by those who are doing little to nothing to address the issues. We have to stop engaging in blind allegiance because of a shared physical characteristic like skin tone and start calling crazy crazy when we recognize it. Refusing to call US out only lends to this problem and serves to ensure it will continue and worsen.

We don’t need anymore cliched statements or empty rhetoric like “this is a wake up call” or “eye opening” moments. We’ve been talking about this gun violence issue for 20 years and have endured burying young Black lives one after another just as long. Our eyes should be permanently open and we should be fully awake to the fact that this is an epidemic level crisis now. Cute meaningless slogans are useless at this point. I see a whole lot of people offering expert analysis and sound bites for the media, but not too many willing to roll up their sleeves and get some dirt under their fingernails. Too many people want to be seen as Dr. King, but not make the King like sacrifices to their personal comfort.

We have to focus less on chasing and eliminating guns and gangs, and focus more on cultural economic development, building community wealth, more educational opportunities, and increasing employment opportunities for our young people. As long as you’re waiting for someone outside of your community to fix the problems within, you will continue to experience the degradation and deterioration that is currently occurring.

If you put your fate and future in the hands of someone who has no emotional ties or investment to you and your community, progress will never happen. As long as you are beholden to someone and are begging and relying on them for your progress, you will never experience growth and freedom. The best way to subjugate a person and control them is to keep them dependent on you and that elusive promise of equity.

We have to take the difficult position that some of these people are not worth saving. If there are people holding on to the side of the boat with one hand, and using the other to try to sink the boat full of survivors, we need to remove their hand and allow them to metaphorically drown. We then focus on the ones we can reach and save.

We have to provide professional mentoring, vocational training, life skill development, goal setting, ethics training, and job opportunity placement. We have to stop treating these kids as fragile pieces that will somehow break and whither if we raise the expectations of their behavior and conduct.

The answer has to come from within the Black community, but it has to stop being a side hustle and a quest for relevance. If you’re in the fight, be in it for the right reason. We can no longer engage in situational and temporary anger and feigning indignation for a week. If you’re truly tired, your weariness needs to sustain and manifest into a long term solution.
If you’re afraid or uncommitted to stopping this violence, then get out of the way of the people who are.

RFP Staff

♦ Video: Salisbury City Councilman David Post Reveals There Are Almost 2,000 Vacant Houses in Salisbury, N.C.:

It’s said that approximately 14,000 houses exist in Salisbury. Given that figure then 2,000 vacant houses would mean one out of every seven houses was vacant. Those are Detroit like numbers. Vacant and abandoned homes are magnets for crime, squatting, drugs, and arsons. Is it any wonder why so many communities are pleading for these houses to be torn down?

Vacant houses in poor condition blight neighborhoods. In Salisbury too few police officers exist (The grossly understaffed police force may count some 50 officers at most) to keep an eye on 2,000 vacant houses let alone patrol entire communities. Code enforcement officers appear to be a rare breed too often quitting months after their hire.

And we’re not even discussing the multitude of vacant buildings in Salisbury.

PCMag.Com/Eric Griffith

♦ PC Magazine Fastest ISPs 2016:

http://www.pcmag.com/article/346232/the-fastest-isps-of-2016