The African American community in Monroe is at a crossroads, with its future heavily dependent on the effectiveness and integrity of its representatives in government. For too long, the Southside of Monroe has been neglected in city planning, with former mayors Jamie Mayo and incumbent Mayor Friday Ellis failing to foster meaningful economic development and bridging the divide between the North and South Sides of the city.
This neglect has only exacerbated the community’s challenges.
As Monroe prepares for the March 23rd mayoral primary, it’s clear that the community cannot place its hopes in the front runners, Mayo or Ellis, given their track record of unfulfilled promises to the Black community. Neither of them have the future interest of the Black community at heart.
The real power and hope for change lies in the hands of the city council, particularly the three Southside seats. A strong, united council can ensure that the needs of the African American community are no longer ignored, regardless of the mayor’s agenda.
However, the integrity of this representation is under threat. Campaign finance reports indicate that District 5 Councilwoman Kema Dawson has become the favorite child of vested interests outside the African-American community. Thousands of dollars have been raised to influence Dawson’s vote. These prominent figures, including the mayor, the sheriff, the district attorney, Republican King Maker Bill Willson, and other Northside influencers, want to insure that Dawson will continue to ignore black community interests as she has done since 2020.
She uses the phrase “I want to see the city move forward” to explain why she frequently votes against black community concerns. Unfortunately, her idea of “forward” does not include the community that she represents.
Dawson’s recent voting record raises concerns. Her decision to support a lucrative $2.5 million deal for businessman Michael Echols, while voting against loan opportunities for Southside business owners, and her efforts to redraw district lines to guarantee thousands of blacks in District 2 a seat on the council typify her trend toward departure from the interests of her constituents.
Last year, nearly every major group in our community met with her at the same time and begged her support for our cause. She smiled and, minutes later, voted in favor of Northside interests.
Re-electing Dawson could be seen as an endorsement of frequent betrayals.
District 5 has a history of strong representation, with leaders like Charles Johnson, Eddie Clark, Robert Johnson, and B.D. Robinson who prioritized the interests of their constituents.
Dawson’s current trajectory is a stark contrast to this legacy.
As Dawson prepares to run for re-election, you will see beautiful signs, billboards, and ads, mostly paid for by people outside of our community.
No matter how much money they give her, we must remember why they are giving it to her and no other council members.
Northside politicians see Dawson as the weak link.
She believes she is not influenced by their huge campaign donations.
That may be the problem.
