SDARJ hosts Black Voices Matter town hall meeting

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice hosted a town hall meeting May 11 titled Black Voices Matter to discuss the importance of hearing the Black voices of the Sussex County community. 

Four panelists joined SDARJ founder Charlotte King to discuss their thoughts and experiences. They were: Fay Blake, executive director of Pathways to Success; Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington North; Rev. Dania Griffin of Antioch AME Church; and Kaylan Parker, co-founder of the Delaware Black Student Coalition. During the meeting, topics including government, education, faith and activism were covered. 

The town hall meeting primarily focused on why Black voices matter, not only in Sussex County but in Delaware as a whole. Chukwuocha pointed out how the Black voice was almost nonexistent in the Delaware Legislature. 

“To me, as a legislator at the state level, I think our voices truly matter,” said Chukwuocha. “For decades, Sen. Margaret Rose sat as the lone Black voice in our Senate and one or two African American males in our House of Representatives. So, to look at now ... we have a number of 12, and you realize how our voices for so many years were missing within our state.” 

Also discussed was the impact of Black voices on the next generation. A important point Blake raised was how there is a lack of advocacy for Black children in schools today. 

“We need to make sure that we’re there so we can advocate. I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it were not for a Black teacher in an almost all-white school,” said Blake. “Many of our kids don’t have the voice, they don’t have the words, and they also don’t have the education to advocate for themselves.” 

In addition to representation and advocacy, the panelists discussed the obstacles many Black people face when trying to use their voice. Parker explained her difficulties with not only being a Black woman but also being a young adult. 

“As a student advocate, it’s hard to get people to listen to you and take your voice seriously,” said Parker. “Being a Black woman just increases the struggle.” 

Another part of the meeting focused on what white people can do to help elevate Black voices and clear away some obstacles they face. Rebecca Cotto, YWCA-DE director of racial and justice, listed simple actions white people can take, including: Listen, don’t speak; question policies; recommend Black-owned businesses; use your privilege to help; and make sure there is diversity around you.

All in all, the town hall meeting was very informative and educational for all races and clearly explained why Black voices must be heard. Blake drove the point home by saying: “Our voice is the window and the mirror to our heart. It is the window and mirror to our passion. It is the window and the mirror to who we are as a people. So, no matter what this face looks like, we have to continue to make sure our voices are heard.”