Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson, So it has been said, by current Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, that “in our third century, Memphis will build up, not out. Memphis will be a city that anchors growth on strengths of the core and neighborhoods; a city of greater connectivity and access; a city of opportunity for all.” Not so fast says Memphis resident and 45-year tenured community activist, Dr. Carnita Atwater, who had planned to hold a peaceful march and rally on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Not only did Atwater say the city of Memphis changed her route plan, but they also denied the application she turned in Monday on Friday, the day before the scheduled event, when informing Atwater that a $2,000 payment was due before closing that day. Dr. Atwater is opposed to the Memphis 3.0 Plan. “You can drive around New Chicago and all over the city of Memphis and they [the city] talking about Memphis has momentum,” said Atwater. “Momentum for who? In what community? Do you see any momentum in this neighborhood? You see a war zone in this neighborhood.” The actual Memphis 3.0 plan and its related transit vision documents are available online and additional information can be found on Facebook. The first reading by members of the Memphis City Council was held on March 19, 2019. “We need your support in Council Chambers,” said Atwater. “We wear red because it represents the blood of our ancestors. We are asking you to put on your red, get signatures from your friends and neighbors, sign our petition, drop it off or bring it to City Council Chambers later this month.” The second reading will begin at 3:30 pm April 16th in Council Chambers, 125 N. Main Street, and the third reading is currently scheduled to be held at the same time and location on April 30th. (Above) Dr. Carnita Atwater (right) discusses why she is adamant that the Memphis 3.0 Plan does not provide equal representation for all residents of Memphis, TN, as she speaks on several facts to support her opinion including, but not limited to, high crime areas of Memphis with no police station that are the equivalency of living in a war zone area; little to no funding and no type of benefits for predominantly African American neighborhoods; traditionally black neighborhoods being converted, through gentrification efforts, into neighborhood’s blacks can no longer afford to reside in once redeveloped and other oversights in the plan to prove her point. Pictured with Atwater is Minister Betty Patrick Tyler who is showing a printout of the sensibly planned route presented to the police department for Saturday’s peaceful march as Atwater talks about the insensible route the police department authorized her march to take. (Below) Oka Nashoba Chickasaw Nation Center youth and granddaughters of Andre Mathews, Chickasaw, Choctaw Studies and Registry expert, were invited to participate in the peaceful march and presentation to begin from the New Chicago Community Development Corporation/African American History Museum, 1036 Firestone Avenue, at noon on Saturday, March 30, 2019. 26
27 Publizr Home