In theory, Monroe’s City Charter was written to keep power in check. The mayor oversees administration; the city council acts as a legislative counterweight. In practice, however, neither branch respects the other—and the people of Monroe are left paying the…
Tag: Roosevelt Wright Jr.
Rev. Moore must get input beyond his administrators
Monroe City School Superintendent Sam Moore, III is a man with a golden heart. His desire to improve education for our students is genuine, and his career path reflects a deep commitment to children—counselor, pastor, principal, and now superintendent. Yet…
Violent crime decline welcomed: over 63 days without a murder
For months, our city council has celebrated a remarkable milestone: a significant reduction in violent crime, particularly murders. At the most recent council meeting, Councilman Verbon Muhammad led the audience in applause to mark 63 days without a murder—a stark…
Jacksonville brutality case sends vibes to Blacks across the nation
On December 9, 2024, a shocking incident unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, when 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. became the victim of egregious police abuse during a traffic stop by officers of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). That incident hits home to…
Diddy verdict is a setback for abused women
The July 2, 2025, verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial—acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking but guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution—has left advocates for abused women disheartened. While Combs faces up to 20 years for actions…
SEDD votes to scrape its “Southside Dream” website
The website promoting the “Southside Dream” vision is no longer online after the Southside Economic Development District (SEDD) board voted 7-3 on Tuesday to discontinue its current website and hire a Texas firm, EVObrand, to build a new one. The…
“Brown Bombers” make history; they have stood together for an entire year
Councilmembers Juanita Woods (District 3), Verbon Muhammad (District 5), and Rodney McFarland (District 4) have completed their first year together on the Monroe City Council—and what a year it has been. These three leaders have accomplished something no team of…