By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
In a recent development, Columbus City Council has decided to include non-citizens in its certification program, enabling them to compete for city contracts. This move has sparked a wave of questions and concerns, particularly among the Black business community.
The actions of the Columbus City Council and the Mayor’s Office seem to convey a disconcerting message about their stance on Black people and, more specifically, Black-owned businesses. This decision, seemingly final, is led by a new generation of leaders, whom I refer to as the “Young Negroes,” a term reminiscent of the “New Negroes” from the Harlem Renaissance era. The “New Negro” was a term coined during this period, symbolizing a break from the past, with African Americans asserting their rights to dignity and equality.
However, the current leadership in Columbus appears to be a stark contrast to the leaders of the past. These young men, appointed to their positions, represent a different kind of leadership. They haven’t been through the civil rights struggles, nor have they experienced the desegregation of Columbus City Schools. Their understanding of the fight for equity and the sacrifices made by past Black leaders for purchasing equity seems distant.
One must wonder why these young Black men are hesitant to stand up for Black people, particularly Black-owned businesses. Their concern for non-citizens, who aren’t eligible voters, raises questions about their priorities. Why this focus on a demographic that doesn’t directly contribute to their electoral support? Furthermore, their apprehension about potential lawsuits seems misplaced, especially considering the council’s history of what some might view as frivolous expenditures. This cautious approach contrasts sharply with their otherwise liberal spending habits.
Certification programs were initially conceived as remedies for past discrimination. Yet, in Columbus, it’s disheartening to see that these programs are benefiting everyone but the Black community. White households, in particular, seem to be reaping the advantages meant to address historical injustices.
The stark reality of the spending distribution in Columbus is evident from the data. Black Men receive 17.33% of the city’s overall spending, while Black Women, crucial supporters of the Democratic Party, receive only 5.72%. In stark contrast, White Women are allocated 37.34%. The sector-wise breakdown accentuates this imbalance further. For example, in Construction, the share for Black Women is a mere 0.50%, compared to a whopping 56.58% for White Women. This disparity raises a critical question: how can the council consider adding other groups to the certification program when they haven’t made significant inroads with Black women?
The recent council meeting was a telling moment. The council’s disregard for the advice of Black community leaders and the nation’s oldest Civil Rights organization was not just disappointing but also reflective of a deeper issue. The audacity of one member to assert his Blackness publicly raises questions. In my view, one’s commitment to their community should be evident in their actions, not just in their words.
Moreover, this is the same City Council that has contributed to the defunding of public education in Ohio’s largest public school district. They have favored wealthy developers with tax abatements, a decision that disproportionately affects Black residents.
As a community, we must ponder and act. How do we respond to these changes that seem to overlook the very struggles and achievements of our past leaders? It’s time for a renewed conversation and action to ensure that the sacrifices of our predecessors are not in vain and that the Black business community in Columbus receives the support and recognition it rightfully deserves.
just my thoughts…rwb
