OP-ED | Jeff Brown is political litter

 

Jeff Brown is political litter

Date: April 23, 2023

Will Mega, MHS (Educator, Historian & Political Strategist)

 

As Philadelphia heads into the mayoral election, one candidate's remarks about the disposal of the city's trash have caused a stir. Jeff Brown, a wealthy mayoral candidate, was asked about Philadelphia's trash being sent to Chester, Pennsylvania a predominantly Black city. In response, he said, "The trash has to go somewhere” “Chester is Chester, I’m worried about Philadelphia and how their lives are.” Ironically, one of his campaign slogans is "Pick up the damn trash."

 

This statement has sparked criticisms of pollution and environmental racism. Unfortunately, Brown's response to addressing these problems was less than satisfactory. His inability to even recognize that the problem could be rooted in discrimination based on low socioeconomic status and race highlights his core feelings about Black folks who don't benefit his bottom line as low-wage employees in his Philadelphia-based grocery stores.

 

I have experienced the close neighborly relationship between Black Philly and Chester. During my early 20s, I worked for NOI Top of the Clock security firm in the Chester City housing projects, where I met some beautiful senior citizens who were the heart and soul of Chester. Chester, PA. is home to people like Sister Barbara Muhammad who made it possible for Khabyr Hadas and I to provide rites-of-passage classes for Black Boys under our Ushindi Rites Program.  I have also experienced being employed in Chester decades later as an Administrator at Chester Community Charter School and I found the people to be the salt of the earth.

 

Despite the challenges of poverty and a crippled economy, Chester has produced great people who have contributed to the fiber and success of Philadelphia and the world. For instance, Dr. Lenora Fulani, an African American woman psychologist and psychotherapist, who ran for President of the United States in 1988 as an Independent Party candidate. Thomas Nelson Barnes, the first African American to serve as the 4th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for four years, and professional NBA athletes like Jameer Nelson, Tyreek Evans, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Derrick Jones. These individuals have made significant contributions to their fields that will forever be recognized.

 

Chester, Pa. has also produced hard-core pro-black activists like Muhammad I. Kenyatta. He was an amazing grassroots organizer and an advocate for ending poverty in Black cities like Chester and Philadelphia. His strong campaign against the Philadelphia Black Mafia and white racist Frank Rizzo captured the attention of the city in 1975.

 

Perhaps one could call me bias because I have family who spawned from Chester. The brilliant and beautiful mother of my son, Dr. Benson, was born and raised in Chester, and she came from great stock. Her family is deeply rooted in the community, and they play a major part in the Elks lodge No. 224. They have played a significant role in the annual Mother’s Day Parade that has been thriving for almost 100 years. Bias or not, my opinion of Chester is rooted in truth.

 

As a Black Philadelphian, it is difficult to deny the close neighborly relationship between Black Philly and Chester. Chester has given birth to powerful Black men and women, professional athletes, activists, and scholars.

 

Philadelphia needs a mayor who understands that it is not an island and that it is interdependent with its neighbor cities and counties. We need a mayor who sees all human life as valuable, especially the least of these. Jeff Brown may have apologized for his remarks, but his political litter is unacceptable. On election day, we need to choose a candidate who will make us proud.

 

I endorse Cherelle Parker as the 100th mayor of the City of Philadelphia. She has a proven track record of advocating for the people and working towards building a better city. As a council-member, Parker has been an advocate for affordable housing, small business development, safe streets, and funding for public schools. She understands the issues facing Philadelphia and is committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.

 

In Matthew 25:40, it is written, "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" As we head to the polls, let us keep this in mind and choose a mayor who will work to lift all of Philadelphia, not just the privileged few.