The Rev. Dr. Vernon Johns stated, "If you see a Good Fight, get in it".
February is Black History month. Many of us are celebrating the life and legacy of men and women who have made major impacts throughout our global communities. For whatever reason(s), we love to talk about the past while closing our mouths on the present.
As most of you know, Saniyah Nicholson was killed on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in the Lee Harvard Community. She was shot as she sat in her mom's car with her adult sister. Saniyah was 9 years-old. Three teens and four young adults are said to be responsible for this vicious act of violence. Let's be clear. Seven black males are said to be fully responsible for Saniyah's death. These black males for whatever reason thought that it was/is okay to tote guns in broad daylight. They were so comfortable, that they had no problem using guns to shoot at each other while hundreds of folks were enjoying a comfortable summer day. Apparently, they did not care about themselves, the community nor their target. They were shooting to injure another, and to kill. Sadly, a nine-year-old girl loss her life in the crossfire.
The greatest gift is not being afraid to question. -Ruby Dee.
Did you know that Saniyah celebrated her 10th birthday on February 6, 2019? Did you know that Ms. Daniels, Saniyah's mom is broken? Although, her daughter can never be replaced, all she asked for - all she requested was to be respected, and a memorial placed in honor of her daughter and or a secondary street sign of which she was promised by Councilman Joe Jones of Cleveland WARD ONE.The Black Women Commission of Cuyahoga County has stood by Marshawnette Daniels since the untimely death of her daughter. Not only did BWCCC help write the proposed Saniyah's Bill, we also openly supported the secondary street signage by collecting signatures from the residents of Cloverside Ave as well as gathering letters of support from elected officials, local clergy, and small business owners. Jones reneged on his promise. It's best that Jones tell you why, rather than the ladies of BWCCC. However, the full story is forthcoming as we are preparing to launch the "Take It Down Campaign".
It's been almost a year.
As we move forward to honor the life of Saniyah Nicholson on June 20, 2019, The Black Women Commission of Cuyahoga County will orchestrate a "Take It Down Campaign". We will ask local media, clergy and community activist to join us as we request that all secondary street signage in Cleveland, Ohio be removed on this date. We no longer want to see street names in honor of television personalities (Dick Goddard and Tom Beres). We don't want to look at signs for Rev. Theophilus Caviness, Dr. Earl Preston and other local pastors, catholic priests nor religious leaders. We don't want to see any signs designated to any elected official; past or present. (Vermel Whalen, Michael Dubose, Britt, Michael White, George Forbes, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones etc.) Nor do we want to see any other secondary street signage. (Police Memorial, Rock Hall of Fame, Hubert Lee Bo Bo, Thomas and Louise Boddie, Robert Goodwin, Royce Kidd Jr.,), ”Take it Down". Half of the signs that are displayed appear to be nothing but a signature of political arrogance. We are questioning the purpose and messaging.
Saniyah's untimely death was a community tragedy. Some of you sat in the pulpit at her going home celebration. You prayed with the family, and you gave your word to help. It was traumatic. Her death represented guns and violence; a city out of control. A secondary street signage for Saniyah would remind young folks why guns are dangerous. More so it would be a tale of how one shot can destroy families and the fabric of a community. In order for people to do better, they must have constant reminders. Is this not why we celebrate Black History Month and give reverence to those before us? Saniyah Nicholson was only nine. She was nine years old. Her death should have taught us a lesson regarding our young people, our elected officials and our community values. If nothing else, we should have examined our minds and our hearts and displayed at least an ounce of decency and compassion. We should be commanding more because all of us deserve better. Pastor Johns preached, "if you see a Good Fight - get in it". We did. The question is will you?
Join us for the "Take It Down" Campaign. More information is forthcoming!
If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it. - Toni Morrison
The ladies of BWCCC stood strong for the Daniels Family. We have commanded that the city of Cleveland and Councilman Joe Jones do right by this family. Saniyah deserves a proper and professional memorial. Whatever Jones does, it is because of the relentless actions by the ladies of BWCCC.