MLK Day is more than a holiday. It's a way of life all year round. In December 2019 I sat on his childhood porch. Now I stand on his shoulders to fight the Triple Evils: capitalism, racism, and militarism.
In honor of Dr. King I'm announcing the first piece of legislation I've ever written — Historically Black Neighborhoods. The idea came from local scholar Jessica Bellamy, inspired by the work of Dr. Andrea Roberts' Texas Freedom Colonies Project.
The purpose of this ordinance is to protect our neighborhoods from gentrification while building our neighbors through mobilization. We should have the right to remain and return but more importantly the right to refuse development happening in our communities without our approval.
We invite all residents of Smoketown, Russell, Shawnee, Parkland, Chickasaw, Algonquin, Park Hill, Park Duvalle, California, Newburg, and Berrytown to join us in writing our future. Please read, comment, and share the HBN draft.
Happy MLK Day, Louisville.