What nobody likes to think about
February 9, 2018
Aphrodite will roll as scheduled
February 9, 2018
A Bayou Region museum that has pioneered presentation of the story of black residents and their contributions was the recipient of a major donation from the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, presented at an event last week honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Terrebonne Parish Council members Arlanda Williams and John Navy presented a $15,000 check to Margie Scoby, co-founder of the Finding Our Roots African American Museum at the Terrebonne NAACP’s annual MLK commemoration.
The presentation was made during a program that leaned heavily toward encouraging voter registration, amid reminders of the sacrifices made by King and other civil rights heroes for voting rights, during which President Donald Trump also served as a lightning rod.
“In October of last year, we gave $15,000 to the African-American Museum presented at the Fall Bazaar that they had, and now this time we went back to the council and got another $15,000,” Navy said, referencing a gift from the parish last year. “And I can tell you it was met with some resistance, but at the end of the day god does prevail. And we will continue to support this all the time. I will continue too on my journey, and we will continue to fund this and give this African American museum more than just $15,000. So, so far, we gave you $30,000, but they will see more.”
A different branch of parish government was on the mind of NAACP President Jerome Boykin, when his turn came to speak before a crowd that organizers said numbered 300. Tensions have grown between Boykin and Parish President Gordon Dove, who has for years rejected a proposed change to how judges are elected in Terrebonne. A federal judge settled the question last year when he declared that the status quo violates the US Voting Rights Act. The current at-large voting scheme, the late U.S. District Judge James Brady ruled, dilutes black votes to a point where electing a judicial council of their choice.
“He would not be in office if it wouldn’t have been for the black votes when he first started out.” Boykin said of Dove. “Before he was elected, he knew where we stood on this issue … that is an insult to every black person in this town.”
Dove was not present due to illness. The parish public information officer, Mart Black, attended in his place.
Boykin also criticized state lawmakers he felt had not committed enough to the concept of changing laws done enough to change the voting structure through legislation. He then called on everyone present to help solve problems and help effect change in local black communities.
“There’s too much that needs to be done in our community and you’re walking around here sleepwalking like you don’t know what’s going on.” Boykin rebuked, “That’s the reason why we have problems, because you only got a few working and carrying the load of y’all who ain’t doing anything. It’s a heavy load to carry.”
When her turn came to give an address of her own, Arlanda Williams pressed the voter registration theme, in a unique way.
“The bible teaches us to respect our leaders. Now I want you to respect president Trump” she said, the words causing a stir in the crowd. “I want you to respect him enough to register your friends to vote. I want you to respect him enough to bring them to the polls, and in 2018 and 2019 and 2020 I want you to help us elect legislators that will stand against the things that he is saying.”
The keynote speaker, Pastor Mark E. Lewis of Calvary Baptist Church in New Iberia, focused on King’s role in history, and how his message has been sanitized and co-opted.
“We have actually done ourselves a disservice as a community,” he said. “Because we have reduced King down to one speech, and one line in that speech.”
Dr. King saw himself not as a dreamer, but as a drum major, Lewis said. That King approached the gospel from a social justice angle, while teaching that hate doesn’t drive out hate, that only love can do that.
“I love Trump, but god knows I don’t like him… and love without truth is hypocrisy,” said Lewis, “Trump, you may be in the White house, but the lord is on the throne.”
Among local officials attending the event was Terrebonne Parish Superintendent of Schools Philip Martin, who praised Dr. King’s work for the legacy it has left for children.
“Dr. King was a champion of many things. He was also a champion of education. Matter of fact, Dr. King said that … the product of education, was intelligence and character,” Martin said, “I don’t think you can describe it better than that.”
NAACP President Jerome Boykin speaks at MLK observance in Houma. In his speech, Boykin urged continued progress in the Houma-Terrebonne area.
