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I've been speaking with friends over the last few days about the future of Birmingham. Apparently, the discussion has been coming up a lot, like Mark Kelly's recent post; David Sher has created a whole blog about it. This reflective mood is will intensifying this year as the city prepares to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. The question has been, what do we want to be this year and 50 years from now?
So I wanted to start the community discussions, beginning on January 15, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s actual birthday. I know, it's short notice, but then those who can come and are interested are more than welcomed to come on out to get the discussions and plans rolling.
Part of the piece I wrote last week included part of what I call my "I Have A Vision" statement, that said:
It will be normal for every Birmingham school student to attend a world-class school, achieving academic and/or athletic success and excellence. Our schoolchildren will be taught to understand the value of civil rights history as part of American history to reflect positive values of self-worth, self-sufficiency and civic responsibility to all citizens. Our students will be among the best educated workforce in Alabama that will attract more industries and businesses to our region. As former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice mentioned in her recent Birmingham speech, a solid education has to be on the frontier of our nation’s forward progress in the world.
I see a city where African Americans are active, vibrant contributors to the economic engine that drives the state’s still largest populated city. Their untapped workforce talent and entrepreneurial drive, when unleashed, will lead to the creation of inner-city jobs that will eventually end chronic unemployment. That, in turn, will lead to reduced crime and improved neighborhoods. Better schools and better living conditions will attract former and new residents into the city.
This citizenry will elect progressive leaders that protect and enhance Birmingham’s growth by setting long-term goals and policies that secure a better Birmingham 50 to 100 years into the future. These citizens will insist that we establish a viable regional transit system. They will ensure that our public health care system works for all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay. They will work to develop and protect more green space. They will not tolerate any form of discrimination, not in this city that was once the bastion of racial hatred and bigotry.
I Have a Vision. Despite the present circumstances that say otherwise, I believe this potential future is possible and totally within our reach, if only we choose to move toward it.
I said in my post last week that I was working to create a platform where others can share their positive visions for Birmingham's future too.
Well, Vision 2013 is the start of that, with the help of a few like-minded friends who want this city to grow, especially in the African American community, which needs greater attention because of the disparities it faces.
So I'm inviting y'all to come if you can. Let's see where we can come together on ways to make our city the great place we all know it can be, starting in 2013 and beyond.
vickii
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