Black folks
in Columbia, we call it COMO, consider Douglass Park one of the few places to
gather in a way that reflects our rich cultural particularity. It’s the one place black people can chill, be
real, put some meat on a grill, pull out the side dishes, talk trash, shoot
hoops, listen to some R&B, and, for better and for worse, drink some beer
and liquor.
The
truth be told It’s the only spot within a city designed to keep blacks
in their proper place. It feels
intentional at times. Yes, Douglass Park
is like other parks in the "hood" across the nation. It’s a spot that
has garnered a reputation because of the people who go there.
The truth is
covered by the fiction, and that fiction is rooted in fear. That fear is molded by ignorance, and that
stupidity is supported by an unwillingness to jump outside the comfort
zone. Chadwick, and anyone willing to
drink the unspiked Kool-Aid, is building public policy based on a mound of assumptions.
She needs to
check herself before taking the big gulp.
Even worse
than her misguided crusade to ban drinking at Douglass Park, is her lack of
respect for the man who was on the ballot against her. Chadwick’s bold
indifference for Tyree Byndom’s input may be a sign that she lacks the ability
to comprehend, or simply doesn’t care about the people begging to be treated
with respect.
“The Blacks
in the 1st Ward have one social space that they go, and that is Douglass Park.
They don't feel wanted or culturally accepted most other locations,” Byndom
wrote in a message he reposted on Facebook. “If I hear that this is an effort
that you are actually going to go through with, I want you to know that you
will have major opposition from me and my allies.”
Byndom’s
message was simple – don’t go there. To
her credit, Chadwick didn’t deny her plan to ban drinking at Douglass Park.
“Thanks for
your input Tyree. Yes, I am working to make Douglas alcohol free,” Chadwick
wrote.
“Cool. Get
ready for a fight,” Byndom responded.
“Didn't take
the job because I wasn't up for fights. Change is a struggle, especially
towards public health issues,” Chadwick said.
“That's fine.
Be well. See you on the battlefield,” Byndom said.
You have to
respect a woman on a crusade, but what is Chadwick thinking? Is she willing to
disregard the opinion of a person with one ear to the ground? Is she completely
insensitive to the concerns of those who frequent Douglass Park? Has she formed
an opinion based on her view from her car as she drives by the park?
There are two
problems with Chadwick’s push, and both reflect a deeper issue related to how
race and racist assumption impact public policy.
The issue
isn’t banning drinking in a city park.
There is merit to enforcing that policy.
The problem is with limiting the ban to the only park supported by black
people. Forming a unique policy for Douglass
Park is at the core racist. It targets a
set population in a way that stereotypes them as being predisposed to alcoholism
and illicit behavior caused by excessive drinking.
Second, and
even more incommodious than the first, is Chadwick’s unwillingness to press
Byndom to share his concerns. She cites
her position without persuading Byndom to state his case. She fails to ask
him to explain his opposition. She simply states her position,
and willingness to go to battle.
It’s this
type of insensitivity that I remember about COMO before leaving close to 30
years ago. I’m told that things have changed, but Chadwick reminds me of why it
was easy to leave with no desire to come back home.
If you’re against
drinking in city parks, ban it at all parks.
You simply can’t go after the park where the black citizens spend their
time. If you do decide to ban drinking
at that park, show some sensitivity toward those who oppose your position. Listen to the citizens you represent.
Chadwick’s
refusal to listen is striking one of those bad nerves. I plan to call her soon to give her a chance
to respond. I’ve decided to write this
first to introduce her to me and my work.
Be warned. You might think that’s
the way business is handled in COMO. If that’s true, take some notes.
Take some
time to listen before you go on the battlefield.
You don’t
want this battle.
