Straight from the Mike…Faces at the Bottom of the Well

Our thoughts, prayers, condolences and donations go out for the families, individuals, business owners, boat owners, et al for their loss of property, loved ones and control of their destiny. One category 3 plus storm is dangerous enough, two strong storms back-to-back truly portray Mother Nature’s wrath on the vulnerable areas of our nation. She commands respect and if she does not get it, look out.

However, just imagine what the trials and tribulations of a renter in a run down, bug, rodent infested property paying rent to live must be like. On a smaller, less dire scale than a hurricane, a family or individual may have children growing up in unhealthy surroundings that contribute to chronic absenteeism, depression, and anxiety. This is quite likely one of the points in the late Dr. Derrick Bell’s book, “Faces at the Bottom of the well.” In his book, he writes about the inevitability of social norms for many Blacks in the wrong zip code. He expresses deep admiration for those of us in the struggle for equality and a better quality of life for all citizens in our community.

A special mention of support goes out to Monica Delancy and the South Renters Association. They hosted a Renters Summit this past weekend. It was well attended with renters from units in Cobb. Thankfully, they are relentless in their pursuit of decent living conditions. I was unable to attend this year’s event. However, I did attend last year’s event.

It is long past time that important issues this serious to so many get a viable timetable for correction before another year. I find it a huge pill to swallow from just my observation point over the years, let alone what it must be like for a resident being required to pay rent for a dwelling that is unsafe and has unhealthy conditions, by anyone’s standards. I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with several of these families. I have been a participant in property inspections. I have seen the recent photos circulated by Monica. Regardless of the depth and the promise in the well of opportunity is for those able to be drawn up in its bucket, it surely must appear at this point to be a dismal situation with hope fading with each upcoming ‘rent due’ date. The plethora of empty promises abound from the property managers, the unreturned phone calls from the maintenance crew and fear of retaliation can diminish one’s outlook for remedy. This is just unacceptable.

It is particularly frustrating for me when I hear the rejoinders from some officials that opine how the situation did not come about overnight and thus a solution cannot come by daybreak. However, as the saying goes, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

We simply should not be complacent with the words of gradualism. On the contrary, a meeting should be convened with the sole commitment being to put a near-term solution on the table. Also, the last time I recently checked; we are still in the election season. Why haven’t these vital community questions been asked of the candidates? Frankly, it looks to me too much like a cat with nine lives. Like the big fish that got off the hook just before the net could get it in the boat. Nevertheless, to those families and individuals caught in the lurch waiting for real help, the Calvary is on its way. Rest assured; you are not forgotten by some of us in the community.

I am Michael Murphy…