S.O.S Save OUR Selma

Dear Mayor and City Council Members of Selma Alabama,

We the undersigned encourage you to S.O.S - Save OUR Selma! Reading the headlines of the online edition of the Selma Times Journal on December 30, 2008, one immediately noticed the juxtaposition of the titles.  On the one hand there was a celebratory moment that the Bridge Crossing Jubilee was one of the biggest events in Alabama and immediately next to it was the headline about a double murder of teenagers. The awe inspiring moment over the realization that it took a community of people to stand up against violence, injustice and people who denied them basic rights were negated realizing that same community is fighting a war within and smearing the very legacy that the state proclaims.

While crime happens everywhere the crime and unemployment rate in Selma, beat the national average. The senseless violence, population decrease and economic decline in Selma in the recent months and years beg the questions, what are we willing to do to save ourselves?  How can our elected officials, community leaders and people of both races work together to end the violence that is plaguing the city? What innovative programs should be created and implemented to engage youth?  What is the city aggressively doing to encourage economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and safety for its citizens and visitors?  

All who hail from Selma love it because it is home, it has rich cultural history and it provided the very foundation on which we stand; yet, many leave because the opportunities presented in the city are dismal in comparison to those found elsewhere. Many remained concerned and stay engaged because of family, friends and connections made over the years that still reside in the area.

While it is irresponsible to complain without putting forth a solution, the current taxpaying, registered voters, concerned and former citizens of Selma are united in challenging and proposing a solution to the elected and appointed leadership of the city to put forth a comprehensive action plan (with deliverables and deadlines) to address and encourage the following:

·         Crime Prevention

·         Community and Parental Involvement

·         Youth Peer to Peer Mentoring programs

·         Citywide Curfew

·         Re-entry programs for ex-offenders to receive job training and placement

·         Economic growth and stabilization %u2013 Business Development

·         Educational enrichment outside of the school system

·         Recreation and Social Activity (Ex: Movies, city sponsored events)

We request

-          An unveiling of the Save Our Selma policy recommendations by March 5th 2009 to coincide with Jubilee

-          A well advertised community meeting to give citizens a chance to voice their solutions by February 1st, 2009

This petition in no way discounts the current and past efforts of the city, various individuals and organizations who have tried to make a difference in Selma; but, it does underscore the need for EVERYONE to work together to truly shift the dynamics in our beloved town.  Realizing that no one person can do it alone we encourage a small but diverse coalition of change agents; such as, but not limited to: politicians, academicians, law enforcement officials, youth, faith leaders, community organizers, and concerned citizens to work together on this plan. We the undersigned believe the leadership of Selma can spearhead that effort because the citizens of Selma have entrusted you to do so. Please give the City of Selma the bailout it needs to serve as an example of what happens when we all unite to effect positive change. Thanks for taking the time to read and heed our concerns.

Sincerely,

We The Undersigned

Please read and sign this petition. Please take less than 5 minutes to call the Mayor's Office and your City Council member, and email the Mayor and President of the council whose information is listed below and tell them to that you are calling to support the petition to Save Our Selma!

Mayor George Evans 334-874-2101 mayoroffice@selma-al.gov

There is only one phone number to reach ALL of the council members but call and leave messages if you cannot speak with a council member.

City Council Members:

President of the Council- Dr. Geraldine Allen %u2013 Office - 334-241-8656 gallen@troy.edu

Office of the City Council - (Office) 334-874-1234

Ward 1 Cecil Williamson

Ward 2 -Susan Keith

Ward 3- Dr. Monica Newton

Ward 4- Angela Benjamin

Ward 5  Samuel Randolph

Ward 6- Benny L. Tucker

Ward 7- Bennie Ruth Crenshaw

Ward 8- Corie D. Bowie