Dear Editor,
The bible states in Matthew 12:25 “ And Jesus know their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand”.
There are citizens in Northeast Louisiana who are concerned about the divisions in our areas; North Monroe against South Monroe against West Monroe. There are residents who reside in West Monroe whom were products of ULM formerly NLU. Many of those same individuals now criticize Monroe and have a disdain for its people.
When businesses and industries are looking to locate in a certain area or community, they generally have expert surveyors conduct a feasibility study to determine the infrastructure of a particular community and surrounding areas. This survey will provide prospective investors with decision making information in helping them decide if a area meets the needs of their company or business. The survey could include speaking with other business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and even members of the community. The survey could also involve scrutinizing the schools, colleges, and universities, roadways, and undertake review other factors that would aid them in their decision process.
Prospective businesses or companies could bring thousands to millions of dollars into an area. In the past 25 years we have lost some of our largest businesses such as the Guide Plant, State Farm Regional Offices, and Century Link. It is often said that businesses that leave a state migrates to Mexico, Canada, or other countries. The fact is some businesses merely go to other states that offer are more progressive and are growth focused. Popular areas include Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, and there are many others that have been deemed business friendly. When businesses leave, so often it affect the availability of our local workforce. Our schools find themselves educating our youth for opportunities not found locally and leading to their relocating outside our state. We now live in a new global world that has changed not only how we think but what we do. We cannot allow ourselves to have the mindset of the past.
The mission of the NAACP is to achieve equity, political rights and inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, education and economic security of all persons of color.
Division and separation only lead to stagnation and finally destruction. We must come and work together as one. We should not be each other’s enemy or adversary. We are in this together and together we can win.
Sincerely,
Rev. Ambrose Douzart
President, Monroe/Ouachita NAACP
