State Rep. Zakiya Summers asks, “Why is it okay for the state to have an hostile relationship with its Capital Metropolis?”

Jackson has instantly obtained numerous so-called concern after a few years of disinvestment and denial from the state of Mississippi. The priority now could be below the guise of public security as a result of that is “Our Capital Metropolis.” Jackson isn’t just the Capital Metropolis. Jackson is my house, and my roots run deep in Jackson.

My grandfather was William Invoice Summers. Invoice Summers owned the Summers Lodge, which was once on Pearl Avenue close to Jackson State College. The Summers Lodge was a secure haven for black motorists as a result of touring whereas black within the 40s, 50s, and 60s was extraordinarily harmful. The Summers Lodge was one in every of two resorts in Jackson the place black folks may keep. Granddaddy later added the Subway Lounge to offer leisure to friends and the general public at giant. You might have heard about it or have even been there.

I don’t know if granddaddy could be shocked that in 2023 it’s nonetheless harmful for black folks to journey or that moms, like me, and fathers will need to have a really totally different and essential dialog with our black sons about compliance with police in an effort to make it house alive. I do consider that he could be proud that I’m dwelling out my ancestors’ goals.

HB 1020 is an effort at a state takeover of the Capital Metropolis. Not solely is it full with flaws, however it’s also unconstitutional, taking away the rights of residents within the Capitol Complicated Enchancment District (CCID) to elect members of the judiciary. As well as, it goes towards the intent of the creation of the CCID within the first place. It’s taxation with out illustration.

This isn’t a brand new factor for the state of Mississippi. That is an previous maneuver out of a historic playbook framed within the title of reducing crime. From an tried airport takeover to an tried public college district takeover to a deliberate plan to starve Jackson management of sources and take management of our belongings. Why should we discover ourselves right here once more?

The state would profit and may focus its vitality on curing and righting the wrongs it’s accountable for. 

Mississippi has the best jail inhabitants on the planet. Clearly, criminalizing and over policing our neighborhood just isn’t the reply. Mississippi has the best little one poverty charge and toddler and maternal mortality charge within the nation. Mississippi is fiftieth on high quality of life and life expectancy and on the backside for well being care, too.

With all of these items in thoughts, how is it that Mississippi is utilizing time, vitality, and sources to plot a plan to negatively goal the town of Jackson however can’t develop a plan to make sure that all Mississippians have entry to healthcare, early schooling, the poll field, and all the issues wanted to enhance the standard of life for our residents?

Why does the state refuse to work with metropolis leaders to help the proposals we advocate for? Why is it okay for the state to have an hostile relationship with its Capital Metropolis? What different state in these United States that treats its Capital Metropolis this fashion?

In the meantime, companies get tax cuts, marginalized communities proceed to be focused, and partisan politics proceed to maintain us separated and divided. 

I’m dissatisfied and also you, the residents of this state, needs to be, too. As a substitute of the management working alongside us, management is working towards us – seeking to create a metropolis inside a metropolis. It’s a harmful precedent.

What’s subsequent and who’s subsequent? It’s ridiculous and shameful. And Mississippi will proceed to burn till it does proper by all of her folks.

There is a chance to alter course and never recreate a punitive puzzle that perpetuates ache and promotes energy and revenue. Home Invoice 1020 should die. The state can use taxpayers’ {dollars} to help the methods of governing we have already got in place as a substitute of diverting them to an island inside the metropolis of Jackson that creates a separate however unequal system.

We want political will to create an area of collaboration that brings Jackson legislators to the desk with the intention to work in direction of significant options. We should shield democracy in any respect prices.