Iziah Thompson is a young Plainfielder who has written a piece about the current situation in the Queen City. I am a 77-year-old retired reporter. My blog is usually limited to my own content, but Iziah has offered to share his thoughts. If you want to see what he has to say about Plainfield,
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Thank you, Bernice. It does seem that Mayor Mapp is trying to get things moving for our youth. I hope he gets cooperation from the City Council. I have been pushing for at least one, possibly two skate board parks for our youth. Get them off the street, have bulletin boards with program information so we can make them safe and give them guidance. I hope we can work towards empowering our youth and guarding our future.
ReplyDeleteA well written piece by this young brother. It should be read by all . Mr. X
ReplyDeleteA major correction is needed. There is only one Democratic Party. Abortion on demand, legalize pot and M-TV.
ReplyDeleteThe human relations commission don't relate to the people. Because they don't have their hands on the pulse of the community . therefore they don't know the condition of the heart (community) . I'm on the front line working with who I can when I can . To give life to a dying community before its to late . The article by iziah is a timely and beautiful piece . working for Peace and Progress for all . Norman X Johnson
ReplyDeleteVery well-written and from a perspective that we don't often see on the blogs. He makes many valid points. I do hope he's wrong on some, though. I hope that, one day, the violence might end. I have had no problems whatsoever in the 15 years I've lived in town. But my life would probably be much different if I were a young male coming of age here. And, it shouldn't be that way.
ReplyDeleteI applaud young people getting involved but much of this perspective is spent bashing the current administration for working on economic development as if doing so means that the youth don't matter. The youth summit that was scheduled had support pulled by the superintendent and BOE at the very last minute. This young man should include the school district in his comments and take his friend John's parents, the Campbells, to task. So much of this piece is good but so much of it is biased. He is also quite wrong in much of the information he presents here as factual. It's not
ReplyDelete(1) I apologize if the critique appeared to be biased. That is the exact opposite of what I wanted. I didn't blame the Mayor or administration for shutting down the Youth Summit. I kind-of lumped "city officials" together.
Delete(2) I'm sorry that you believe it is biased, because in actuality I don't think the Mayor has done a particularly bad job. I just don't think it's easy to economically develop when people have such a negative opinion about your city...(and trust me. Plainfield is not synonymous with safe when you travel around NJ). Development needs to happen with an emphasis on equitable development and socio-economic support (especially for the target group I wrote about) imo. I really just think communication between the officials and the community need much work.
(3) I think you overstate my not taking anyone "to task" as you say. If you went to a board meeting you would know that things at the high school have been quite hectic, and I side with the majority of students who decisions made by the officials will effect. As for calling out the board. I used public officials as a catch-all term because I didn't want to take shots at or call anyone out. Now, I never have and never will let anything get in the way of giving my honest perspective. The more and more I talk to kids in this town and confer with a great many young people, It is obvious -- they feel forgotten. If that is all you take away from this piece, I am happy.
(4) I do wonder what information is not factual. I can supply you with sources for any criminal justice fact I cited. As for the rest of the article -- those where mostly opinions. (That's why they call it an op-ed). But I love to learn and would love to be contacted and notified of what facts were wrong so I can correct it. You sound as though you care about the town, and maybe you can school me on some things lol [I would have just sent this to you directly, but you posted anon -- which is fine -- and I can be easily contacted on FB or Google Plus. If you so choose. I would love to hear you out.]
-Iziah
Anon 5:44 perception is a reality for some people You cannot discount this writer's viewpoint as it is his life experience that really matters. I have lived in Plainfield since 2010 and find it is a tale of two cities. His point is valid as it relates to security and safety should be experience throughout the entire city not just in certain areas. Engagement of our young people and reaching out to community activists especially those serving the Latin community is needed. There are cultural differences, quality of life issues and behavior expectations that need to be addressed in our city. Development is equally important as social-economic demographic shifts are a necessity in order to increase revenue and attract quality retail establishments. There are no quick fix solutions, but setting expectations and having a decisive plan to truly serve our city are pre-requites for change.
ReplyDeleteDear Emmett , you had me reading your post and you made valid points up until you mentioned community activist. And for some reason excluded African Americans activist as part of this outreach effort . Oh well much is given also much is required . Working for peace and prosperity for all . Norman X Johnson
DeleteNorman,
ReplyDeleteYou misread Emmett's post and maybe his intention. He wrote, "Engagement of our young people and reaching out to community activists especially those serving the Latin community is needed." He is suggesting more engagement and outreach to all of our community activists, but said ESPECIALLY those serving our Latin community. He said nothing to "exclude" African American activists! There is nothing in that statement that excludes us as African American activists from doing our part--Emmett is African American, so why would he say anything to exclude people like himself? Read it again. It is clear that he is saying that there should be some additional outreach to the Latino-serving activists.